Manchester United fans have urged their club to part ways with Anthony Martial after the striker’s agent confirmed he wants to leave Old Trafford this summer.
Martial, 22, joined United in 2015 from Monaco in a £57.6 million move, and enjoyed a fine first two seasons at the club.
However the Frenchman has fallen out of favour with manager Jose Mourinho this season, especially since the acquisition of Alexis Sanchez. Martial made just two Premier League starts since the Chilean moved to United from Arsenal in January.
And his lack of game time resulted in his omission from Didier Deschamp’s France squad for the World Cup – which his agent believes was the final straw for the young forward who will now look to leave United in the coming months.
“After thinking about all the factors and possibilities, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United,” Martial’s agent Philippe Lamboley told French news outlet RMC Sport.“There are lots of factors, and right now it’s too early to talk about them.
“I think that when United, the most powerful club in the world, do not find an agreement after eight months of negotiations then they do not really want to keep such an important player in their squad. That’s why this decision has come – it’s a well-thought-out decision.
“Everyone will have their opinion but I think he needs to resume his career. The time has come.”
Two seasons ago, United fans would have dreaded the Frenchman – who was considered one of world football’s brightest young talent – leaving Old Trafford, however after a frustrating season, it seems many think the 22-year-old is now a very replaceable entity …
If Martial wants to go, he can go. Very stylish player and wonderfully talented (obvs), but personally I think he's a bit behind in terms of progress for the potential he has. Whether that's his fault or United's failure is another question, but if his heart's not in it, seeya
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) June 13, 2018
So Anthony Martial wants to leave Man United? File that alongside Eric Dier / Gary Cahill thigh strain stories in terms of importance. Martial a talent, but not a potential world-beater.
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) June 14, 2018
Martial won't be a defenite starter in Man city , Barcelona , Liverpool , Real Madrid , Bayern. He is believing the overhype his fanbois created for him
— Kavi 🍉 (@blurt2kc) June 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/DebbssWilliams/status/1007052080635244544
https://twitter.com/Chiara_MUFC/status/1007143164384292864
Won't be too affected if we sell Martial. Just hope we aren't stupid enough to sell him to a PL rival.
— Shibani (@shibani_mufc) June 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/VivaMourinho/status/1007188791961047040
This gaslighting by a section of the fans is never gonna work with me. I like both Jose and Martial.
Either of them walks , I'm pretty chill. They met me here
— kenna (@kennagq) June 14, 2018
My views on Martial. Undoubtedly a talented boy, responsible for some great moments over the last few seasons. Likeable and capable. However, I’m not convinced that he’s developed as much as he thinks he has.
— Alistair Fergusson (@Fergie1975) June 14, 2018