Manchester United could cut short struggling 27-year-old forward Anthony Martial’s stay at the club by not extending his deal next summer.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United could release Anthony Martial when his contract expires next year. The struggling 27-year-old Frenchman frustrates Erik ten Hag with his lacklustre performances, as the club could cut their ties with the forward.
Manchester United thought they signed one of the most exciting teenagers, Anthony Martial, in 2015, paying a then-record sum for a player his age. Little did they know the Frenchman’s performances would regress during his prime years with an injury-ravaged career.
Martial has scored only 17 goals in his last three years and none this season despite starting three out of four games. Erik ten Hag decided to sanction a sale at the end of the previous campaign, but Manchester United have visibly failed to offload him.
A few clubs had shown interest in the forward, while some could come in to sign him next summer. Ten Hag did not want to rely on the struggling 27-year-old for the current campaign and got a new striker in Rasmus Hojlund after paying a huge fee for the Dane.
Ten Hag will hope Martial can maintain his fitness levels this season and contribute to the team when needed. The manager cannot place the entire responsibility on the young shoulders of Hojlund and will want the 27-year-old to share the role.
If Martial fails, Manchester United could release the forward when his contract ends next summer. The club can extend the deal by another season but could cut ties sooner. Hence, it’s a testing season for the Frenchman, who must take the chances offered with both hands.
Manchester United could start looking for a reliable replacement option as soon as January as Ten Hag could have doubts Martial will last the whole campaign unscathed. Even if they extend his contract by another season, they will not offer him a new deal.
Hence, Martial must improve his form and start scoring goals to save his future at the club. The consensus leans towards the Frenchman leaving and taking up a new challenge next season.
