Erik ten Hag has finally reached a decisive verdict on Anthony Martial's future at Manchester United, with the Dutch manager approving the French striker's departure this summer.
The 28-year-old's tumultuous nine-year tenure at Old Trafford appears to be reaching its conclusion after The Mirror revealed that Ten Hag has given the green light for Martial to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Martial, who arrived from Monaco in 2015 for a then-record fee for a teenager, has struggled with consistency and fitness issues throughout his United career. This season has been particularly challenging, with the forward managing just 19 appearances across all competitions.
Injury Woes and Diminishing Returns
Martial's campaign has been plagued by persistent injury problems, including a significant groin surgery that kept him sidelined for extended periods. His limited playing time has yielded a meager return of two goals and one assist, numbers that fall well below expectations for a Manchester United forward.
The Frenchman's contract situation adds another layer to this developing story. While his current deal is set to expire in June, United hold an option to extend for an additional year. However, the club's hierarchy appears reluctant to trigger this clause, signaling their alignment with Ten Hag's assessment.
Financial Considerations and Strategic Shift
Martial's substantial wages, reportedly around £250,000 per week, have become increasingly difficult to justify given his limited contributions on the pitch. His departure would free up significant funds in United's wage structure, potentially allowing the club to pursue more reliable attacking options in the transfer market.
The decision forms part of a broader strategic overhaul at Old Trafford as INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, begins implementing changes to football operations. Martial's exit would represent one of the first major moves in what promises to be a transformative summer for the Red Devils.
What Comes Next for Martial?
Despite his struggles in recent seasons, Martial is expected to attract interest from various quarters. Potential suitors could include clubs in France's Ligue 1, where he previously excelled with Monaco, or teams in Turkey and Saudi Arabia seeking high-profile signings.
For Manchester United, moving on from Martial represents a symbolic step toward addressing the recruitment issues that have plagued the club in recent years. It signals a clear intent to build a squad capable of challenging for major honors under Ten Hag's leadership.
The coming weeks will reveal where the next chapter of Martial's career will unfold, but his time at the Theatre of Dreams appears to be drawing to a close after nearly a decade of mixed fortunes.
