Prior to Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on December 9, an illness affected several players, including French forward Anthony Martial, who sadly succumbed to the illness last month. Martial has faced challenges in his recovery process and, as per Daily Mail reports, has been absent from training with the starting lineup since then.
Despite other players recovering, Martial’s return has been slower. Manager Erik ten Hag decided to prioritize individual training for Martial to address his current lack of match fitness rather than as a disciplinary measure.
However, Martial’s situation at Old Trafford has changed, with Manchester United explicitly stating that he is not part of their future plans. The club has opted not to offer the 28-year-old a new contract, as his current one expires at the end of the current campaign.
Despite Manchester United’s willingness to trade him during the current transfer window, Martial has chosen to stay until his contract concludes. Recent reports indicate that he turned down offers from Fenerbahce, Marseille, and Saudi Arabian teams this month, reflecting the declining significance of Martial in the team and his ongoing recovery.
This development encapsulates Martial’s underwhelming tenure at Manchester United, marked by subpar performances, the decision not to extend his contract, and his rejection of transfer opportunities. The future remains uncertain as Martial navigates the final months of his current contract, with football fans eagerly watching for any new developments in this chapter at Manchester United.