Anthony Martial’s Future at Manchester United in Doubt
Manchester United’s forward Anthony Martial has been a subject of speculation regarding his future at the club. In an exclusive column for talkSPORT.com, Mark Goldbridge discusses the challenges surrounding Martial and suggests that it may be time for the club to part ways with him.
The Injury Concerns
Martial’s performance in the previous season was marred by injuries, which raises concerns about his reliability as a player. Goldbridge highlights the importance of having a fit player who can contribute consistently to the team. While acknowledging Martial’s potential, he suggests that his injury-prone nature makes it difficult for the club to rely on him.
The Dilemma for Manchester United
One of the major dilemmas faced by Manchester United is Martial’s high wage demands. Currently earning around £200,000-a-week, it becomes challenging for the club to find potential buyers who are willing to match his salary. This issue is not unique to Martial, as the club has faced similar situations in the past with players like Ander Herrera and David de Gea.
Goldbridge points out that Manchester United has a history of losing valuable players for free at the end of their contracts due to their high wage demands. He predicts that Martial may follow a similar path, with the club ultimately deciding not to renew his contract and letting him go without receiving a transfer fee.
The Difficulty in Selling High-Wage Players
Despite fans and media outlets suggesting that Martial should be sold in the January transfer window, Goldbridge believes that finding a buyer for the player will be challenging. The combination of his high wages and inconsistent performances may deter potential suitors from making a move for him.
Manchester United’s business model, which involves paying high wages to players, has made it difficult for the club to offload them. Goldbridge highlights the case of David de Gea, who despite being a talented goalkeeper, struggled to find a club willing to match his £350,000-a-week wages. This situation further emphasizes the challenges faced by the club in selling high-earning players.
The Future of Anthony Martial
Considering the difficulties in finding a buyer for Martial and the club’s history of losing valuable players due to high wages, Goldbridge predicts that Martial will eventually leave Manchester United. He suggests that the club will not renew his contract and will let him go without receiving any transfer fee.
While Martial has shown glimpses of his potential, his injury record and high wages make it difficult for the club to justify keeping him. Manchester United may need to make tough decisions in order to rebuild and regain their status as a top-six side.
Conclusion
The future of Anthony Martial at Manchester United hangs in the balance. Despite his talent, his injury record and high wages pose significant challenges for the club. Manchester United’s history of losing valuable players due to their wage demands further complicates the situation. It remains to be seen whether the club will be able to find a buyer for Martial or if they will let him go without receiving a transfer fee. As Manchester United aims to rebuild and compete at the highest level, tough decisions may need to be made regarding the future of certain players, including Martial.