In 2015, Martial joined United as a 19-year-old from Monaco for an estimated £36 million upfront fee. With additions, that amount eventually rose to almost £45 million.
This season, the Frenchman has started two of United’s first three Premier League games, but he has yet to score. In his 21 appearances last season, he scored six goals despite missing substantial amounts of time due to injury.
Erik ten Hag did not sell Martial in the summer, but according to the Daily Mail, the club would have thought about letting him go if there had been genuine interest from a Saudi Pro League team or a rival organisation.
With the exception of a 17-goal haul in the 2019–20 Premier League season, the 27-year-old hasn’t exactly reached the lofty heights that United supporters had thought he would. The player just celebrated his eighth anniversary at Old Trafford.
The Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst claims that United have the option to extend Martial’s deal by an additional year until it expires in 2024.
It is clarified, nevertheless, that the club has not yet made a decision on this and may release him “if his stagnation continues.”
Martial has four goals across all competitions in 2023 despite missing the first several months of the year due to injury.
Ten Hag supported the Frenchman, calling the manager of United’very good’ for the way he played in the most recent 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
Roy Keane, a former United player, disagreed and stated his worry over Martial’s alleged lack of influence on the game.
“Look at Martial, the manager praised him,” he stated on Sky Sports. I don’t believe he kicked. He wasn’t really active.
However, Rio Ferdinand, a fellow United legend, said on his podcast “Five” that the forward wowed Ten Hag and his coaches when they first saw him train.
They said, “I see why every manager sees him and rubs their hands together, because the kid’s ability is world class,” the speaker said. He can’t put it together, though.