What to do with Anthony Martial?

[Smores]

Or the many stories over the last two years where Woodward has supposedly said he isn’t for sale even tho Jose wanted him to, the actions of Jose towards the player over the year, the actions of Martial even, the stories of Jose going around Woodward and trying to see if he can fashion a deal to get him out, and now Woodward supposedly offering Martial a contract when the manager it would seem has made his stance quite clear on the player.

Doesn’t take much of a leap given what else has gone on in the summer with Jose shifting blame to Woodward, Woodward responding with the press briefing all signs point to everything not being alright at United at the top level.

You and the others are just believing paper stories because you choose to do so. Absolutely no substance or quotes behind any of them.

I'd absolutely believe that Martial would have been surplus had we got Greizeman and say Willian but we don't have the numbers to offload Martial. No way were we swapping willian for Martial.

I don't know why it would be so unbelievable that a player who has performed for the manager at times (unlike say Mkhi) is considered of value to him.

It's a hell of a much smaller leap than believing the papers which because they relate to Woodward must be briefs (that is the burden of proof you lot have put on those stories).

 

[JPRouve]

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So people can calm down.

It seems that José is working against Mourinho alongside Woodward.

 

[NJM78]

I understand some hate and understand some love for Martial but the straight up "facts" people on here say about his attitude, his not trying in training, tantrums etc - how does anyone know exactly? All we know is he open to leaving as per his agent. Yes he has a face like a slapped @SS but he has had that since he arrived. At the end of the day we brought him as a player with great potential and to provide us goals and assists - which he has provided one or the other at an almost 1 in 2 rate since arriving.

So a young kid got pissed because his number was taken shortly after his publicity team had set up a brand name following an impressive debut season. Then the same manager purchased a proven Premier League player for his position and he was immediately moved to the opposite side to accommodate him. All despite his form being good and Jose himself even speaking about how better he had been and had taken the challenge of proving his worth to the team. Should he have been more mature after these events, Yes certainly 100%. Should he immediately be good playing in another position, No. Then he gets injured and was never really back in the team and even when he was he was clearly off form which subsequently led to him losing his place in the France squad. I get the feeling if Martial was not French and came up through the youth there would certainly be less hate.

For all we know he is trying hard in training, he is giving effort but he is just way off form - like Sanchez or Rashford for example who have been terrible but they get a pass. Martial was rubbish at Brighton, so was every player on our team! Maybe he is being a tit and not putting in effort...we dont know, that is the point! Has he ever come out and talked badly about the club or fans? No. So why the hate? Feck Martial FC and stupid shit like that. I not a huge fan of Rashford or Lingard and they seem to have their own versions of FC.
Do I hate on them, no, if they wanted to leave would I hate them, no. Lingard also often gets the young tag, he is 3 years older than Martial but Martial is expected to be so mature and the finished article with consistency. The hypocrisy is funny at times.

So what if Martial wants to go, let him go, if he wants to sign a new deal because he is willing to play a waiting game regarding Jose then so what!? He has scored or provided as many assists in less appearances than fan favorites but he is lazy, he has not proven himself worthy of a contract, he should feck off etc. Its a joke.

 

[roonster09]

It seems that José is working against Mourinho alongside Woodward.

Jose is forced to accept the decision.

 

[VeevaVee]

As I just said in the newbie thread, under a new manager (possibly next season) he'll still have a lot to prove, need to improve a lot, and will have competition for the place.
And he should be putting the effort in to improve in the meantime too. We don't know if he is, but whenever he plays nothing changes. If he'd been analysing his game there'd be more movement or something, surely?

 

[Smores]

I believe, bar José's initial first 3 PL games in charge, his best run under José was the only time he started 3 consecutive PL games in one of his favoured positions. Moving him to the right where we all know he just isn't as good, and then dropping him despite outperforming Alexis on the left just killed all that momentum. A game here and there after that isn't going to help him build that form back up, imo.

I think he could excel under Mourinho - he just hasn't been given a proper run in the team in a position he's suited in to do so. I wanted Alexis but if we had got rid of Mkhi and brought in another RW thus keeping Martial on the left, we'd have been much better for it. As for now, I think José should just give him a run because it's not like our other attackers are up to much and the likes of Alexis and Lukaku have been afforded big runs in the team despite delivering little. So, even if he has a bad game, don't drop him - try and get him build back up to his best, and if it doesn't happen after however many games, then he should be rightfully dropped. I think he'd get back to said form, though.

This is a fair response and Jose should absolutely take criticisms for these things. Good to see some common sense and reason.

The usual moaners/wums will still carry on peddling the myth that Jose is incapable of coaching Martial to perform whilst simultaneously reciting Martials great performances.

Both of them have some improvement to do but they're both capable of working well together.

 

[JPRouve]

As I just said in the newbie thread, under a new manager (possibly next season) he'll still have a lot to prove, need to improve a lot, and will have competition for the place.
And he should be putting the effort in to improve in the meantime too. We don't know if he is, but whenever he plays nothing changes. If he'd been analysing his game there'd be more movement or something, surely?

Whoever plays there is no movement or at least the same type of slow "pass the ball at my feet" movement, they also have the bad habit to ignore fullbacks runs, it's something that I noticed with Shaw last season where he would be in great position to receive the ball and the winger, whoever that is, would ignore him, walk inside and shoot or attempt a lame cross.

I don't know what the problem is but when every players playing a certain role have the same issue then I find it difficult to focus on individuals. And the midfield is wank, Scholes was right when he said that the midfielders don't feed the wide players enough or properly, he used Martial as an example but it's true for all of them.

 

[Fredo]

Play him till his feet bleed.

 

[NJM78]

As I just said in the newbie thread, under a new manager (possibly next season) he'll still have a lot to prove, need to improve a lot, and will have competition for the place.
And he should be putting the effort in to improve in the meantime too. We don't know if he is, but whenever he plays nothing changes. If he'd been analysing his game there'd be more movement or something, surely?

100% this but for me right now I cannot see past everyone being a bit shit and no one has really evolved as a player under Jose tactically or technically, in fact the majority seem to have declined. Shaw has been very impressive so far this season and looks like he means business, but as for most of them no one seems better than last year or the year before. Lingard has improved the most I would say since Jose arrived but his consistency is still not quite there either and he is very hit and miss himself.

 

[Varun]

I'm always up for honest open discussions and I understand what you're saying. Martial is fed up working under Mourinho but I ask you why is that? Because manager wants him to earn his place in the XI again, or he wants more work-rate from him? He's being paid handsome amount of money every week then why isn't he giving his maximum? No matter how much you hate your boss and even if he is likely to go soon, if you don't do your work for which you're being paid you'll be booted regardless. Yet there are plenty on here who sympathize with a player who is not arsed.

I don't have a problem with contract extension, we can either extract his talents in the next 5 years or we can extract a decent fee out of him. I'm concerned about the timing of all this, especially when we as a club are as unstable as we've been for a while.

Porbably because he doesn't feel he's being treated fairly, impossible for me to say but that's my guess. Regarding him being half arsed, a) Don't think anyone here can say for sure that's the case because this was being said even when he used to perform under LVG. Its just his demeanour. b) It happens if you don't want to work with your boss. Being paid handsomely doesnt make them less human. The levels at which me or you would operate in our jobs under a similar situation could well vary too.

Finally, about the timing, Jose himself came out months ago saying he doesnt understand why Martial hasnt extended yet and that he wants him to do so. Today is better than tomorrow and tomorrow better than the day after as far as i'm concerned. Its just the press unnecessarily twisting this into a power struggle story with too many takers unfortunately. I reiterate, Jose would be happy if Martial puts his heart into it (assuming that's not happening) because that's 1 more guy who's going to help him do his job better and keep it.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

As per reports, when Spurs asked for Martial Manutd just quoted silly price in a way to say he isn't for sale. Chelsea didn't even bid for him, they wanted Martial to be included in Willian deal.

Even if he sign new contract, we can sell him for lower price. Ball will be in our court.

Not seeing it really. He will just be like all the other players we can't sell because they're on contracts far beyond their worth.

Was that Willian?

It was.

 

[roonster09]

Not seeing it really. He will just be like all the other players we can't sell because they're on contracts far beyond their worth.

I don't think so. It's a calculated risk from club's point and the one well worth taking.

 

[Kush]

Porbably because he doesn't feel he's being treated fairly, impossible for me to say but that's my guess. Regarding him being half arsed, a) Don't think anyone here can say for sure that's the case because this was being said even when he used to perform under LVG. Its just his demeanour. b) It happens if you don't want to work with your boss. Being paid handsomely doesnt make them less human. The levels at which me or you would operate in our jobs under a similar situation could well vary too.

Martial's demeanor has always been off someone who looks lazy and half-arsed but surely you cannot deny he's looking even more half-arsed than he usually does? He may think he was treated unfairly but guess what man, life is unfair at times. Besides he was switched from one flank to the other, he was a fixture in the XI before getting injured. After that he never looked the same player which we saw in the first half of the season, even when he was deployed in his favored position. You cannot pin the blame solely on Mourinho for taking him out of favored position, Martial didn't perform to his usual level even in the matches where he did play as LW. The answer to that to me is pretty simple, Martial worked hard to earn his place as a LW early on but once he was asked to earn that again, he just didn't want to do that work all over again. His attitude is a problem whether people like it or not, when the going gets tough he goes missing when it should be where he should step up.

They are also human but they are also professionals who are being paid to do a job, if they're not giving it their all then we as fans have every right to question it. As far as our individual levels is concerned, it will inevitably vary but if we slack off as far as he's been doing we'd both be out of a job regardless if we like our boss or not.

Finally, about the timing, Jose himself came out months ago saying he doesnt understand why Martial hasnt extended yet and that he wants him to do so. Today is better than tomorrow and tomorrow better than the day after as far as i'm concerned. Its just the press unnecessarily twisting this into a power struggle story with too many takers unfortunately. I reiterate, Jose would be happy if Martial puts his heart into it (assuming that's not happening) because that's 1 more guy who's going to help him do his job better and keep it.

Jose is never going to flat out say he wants to sell Martial but there have been rumors from Martial's camp (see Bouhafsi) that he's happy to sell him. Why he has to do that to buy a player in different position is a question for another thread.
Timing of this is questionable, 2 weeks before Woodward specifically laid the blame on Mourinho for our poor transfer window. That too on the eve of season opener. Why did he do that?

Next up, he's offering a new contract to Martial and common line in all the articles are that it's Woodward who wants to keep him and not Mourinho. Something confirmed a long time back by Bouhafsi. Once again why is that particularly important when in your opinion it's just in our best interest to protect assets value?

 

[Kostov]

Something something about Mourinho not playing Martial in his 'preferred position'

Contrary to the narrative that people like to run here, Martial wasn't dropped from the XI straight after signing Sanchez. He was deployed on the right where he produced horrible performances before getting injured after Chelsea game (which he started. Since coming back from injury, he failed to provide a single goal or assist and looked completely disinterested.

Changing facts to suit your narrative won't pass buddy.

He played that Spurs away match on the RW position, and he had a horrible performance as everybody that night. Including Alexis, Pogba and whoever else played. Than he was dropped for the match against Huddersfield, and came off the bench for 13 minutes. That was after he had 3 goals and 1 assist prior to Spurs. Alexis played. Than came that Newcaste match where everyone was shit, and Martial was back on the bench vs Sevilla while Alexis started again while Martial played 10minutes. Than came Chelsea where he assisted Lukaku and played well after starting as a LW, while Alexis started at RW. Than he got injured and came back for 13 minutes against Sevilla, at home. After that debacle he sat on the bench twice without coming on against Swansea and City.

Sanchez has been a disappointment since his arrival but he was hardly going to be dropped few games after his arrival considering his quality and the fact he was new to the XI. Mourinho was trying to give him confidence by playing him consistently, whether that was right to do with a new signing is up for debate.

What quality? That he showed somewhere else? What about the quality our own player has shown days before that?

What kind of nonsense is this? You want me to understand and be patient with a 29 year old superstar proven professional, while we scrutinize a 22 year old kid for everything? Yeah that must be the way to do it. For some maybe, but I'm no hypocrite.

Once again Martial wasn't dropped from the XI, he started 3 and made 1 sub appearances in the next 4 matches after Sanchez signed before getting injured. He didn't want to fight for his place from that point and that's what I have a big problem with.

Check the facts before posting. He was dropped for Huddersfield and Sevilla, started against Spurs, Newcaste and Chelsea. In two of those starts everyone was shit, and most of them were not played put of position. Martial was dropped many weren't. Whether he wanted to fight or not, you as much as me know little, he showed fight while battling Rashford when there were no double standards, but that part isn't mentioned on here.

You can sugarcoat all you want but Martial we saw in 1st half of last season was a player who was desperate to prove his worth, he played well in most of the chances handed to him and earned himself a place in the XI. His attitude dropped when a new signing took his place in the XI. If he'd shown same commitment he'd shown from August to December then this wouldn't be a discussion.

And why was that? How would you react if you do your job fairly and your boss treated you like that?

Sugarcoating isn't needed here really, as I said before, let's not be hypocrites. Not all of Jose's decision have been right, the way he introduced Alexis was one of them.

 

[Revan]

It was.

It was reported that Chelsea refused an offer of 55m from Barca for him, and there were multiple rumors that they wanted more than 70m from us. So, if it was a straight swap for Martial, doesn't this mean that they evaluate Martial at around 70m? With a longer contract, we can ask even for more.

 

[Crashoutcassius]

What if an asteroid crashes on Earth tomorrow?

The guy outlined the 3 possible scenarios. He didn't think martial not featuring under the next manager was possible. I strongly disagree.

 

[Kostov]

It seems that José is working against Mourinho alongside Woodward.

This. Poor sod.

 

[Classical Mechanic]

I don't think so. It's a calculated risk from club's point and the one well worth taking.

It was reported that Chelsea refused an offer of 55m from Barca for him, and there were multiple rumors that they wanted more than 70m from us. So, if it was a straight swap for Martial, doesn't this mean that they evaluate Martial at around 70m? With a longer contract, we can ask even for more.

It is a calculated risk but I don't agree with Revan assertion that its a no lose situation.

Personally I think its fanciful to think he can sit out all season and then we shift him on for big money when he's on a massive contract here.

 

[roonster09]

It is a calculated risk but I don't agree with Revan assertion that its a no lose situation.

Personally I think its fanciful to think he can sit out all season and then we shift him on for big money when he's on a massive contract here.

He won't sit out all season. He wanted to leave when transfer window was open. He is one more option for Jose now that window is closed. Anything can happen in the season, Shaw who looked almost out 3 weeks ago looks like first name on the team sheet now.

 

[Aren86]

Play him. When he performs as poor as Sanchez/Lukaku for more than 3-5 games with the opportunities they get then bench him.

The praise for him is overrated I agree by some of us, including myself sometimes but his critcisim when you actually watch how little he gets the ball to feet or in his path its quite sad. He is very clinical and the media and Jose have done a good job in making it seem like his a problem.

I am all for players with fantastic work rate J Lingz for example or rashford but if i was to bank on someone finishing a chance, delivering a decent ball or driving at defenders Martial would be first choice. He needs a run of games and trust of the manager. The kind of confidence Ronaldo got when Beckham went, not simply expecting him to create fireworks all of a sudden.

His done well when trusted throughout a season, his not even a player who fades in bigger games. His form is generally up and down based on the amount he plays not so much against teams.

Lukaku seems to struggle against big teams. Rashford has a similar mentality to Martial in that respect but his not as good, although him being from Manchester may taint some peoples views.

His here now, just play him give him a run of games - the same privelage awarded to most players even when they are off the boil!

 

[Kush]

Changing facts to suit your narrative won't pass buddy.

He played that Spurs away match on the RW position, and he had a horrible performance as everybody that night. Including Alexis, Pogba and whoever else played. Than he was dropped for the match against Huddersfield, and came off the bench for 13 minutes. That was after he had 3 goals and 1 assist prior to Spurs. Alexis played. Than came that Newcaste match where everyone was shit, and Martial was back on the bench vs Sevilla while Alexis started again while Martial played 10minutes. Than came Chelsea where he assisted Lukaku and played well after starting as a LW, while Alexis started at RW. Than he got injured and came back for 13 minutes against Sevilla, at home. After that debacle he sat on the bench twice without coming on against Swansea and City.

I didn't take into account CL matches. Your excuse for every shit performance Martial put was 'well everybody was shit too', that's not how it works. At Spurs we put in a diabolical display but Pogba and Martial were even by rest of the other outfielders garbage, both of them were dropped for Huddersfield but were brought back in for Newcastle where once again they were utter shit. Sevilla away was sandwiched in between where you mentioned Martial playing 10 minutes. He started next one v Chelsea anyway. So after Alexis was signed, he started 3 of the 4 PL matches he was fit and available for prior to his injury. Hardly thrown out of the XI straightaway.

What quality? That he showed somewhere else? What about the quality our own player has shown days before that?

What kind of nonsense is this? You want me to understand and be patient with a 29 year old superstar proven professional, while we scrutinize a 22 year old kid for everything? Yeah that must be the way to do it. For some maybe, but I'm no hypocrite.

Duh, how else would you judge players peak performance and his ability? Quality our own player has shown in patches, Alexis was supposed to be proven performer who'd churn out consistent match-winning performances like he did at Arsenal. For wide array of reasons that hasn't happened. Also a new signing is being afforded more leeway and time to settle than a player who's been here for 2 and a half years? Now that is news at 11?

Check the facts before posting. He was dropped for Huddersfield and Sevilla, started against Spurs, Newcaste and Chelsea. In two of those starts everyone was shit, and most of them were not played put of position. Martial was dropped many weren't. Whether he wanted to fight or not, you as much as me know little, he showed fight while battling Rashford when there were no double standards, but that part isn't mentioned on here

Once again he was shit so was everyone else, so don't call him out for it. Well tough shit, manager has always had reservations about him. So for him he's had a lot more to prove than others, he checked out once we signed Alexis. Something which his fans refuse to accept and continue to make excuses for him.

And why was that? How would you react if you do your job fairly and your boss treated you like that?
Sugarcoating isn't needed here really, as I said before, let's not be hypocrites. Not all of Jose's decision have been right, the way he introduced Alexis was one of them.

In football players are always signed in your position for more competition, healthy competition for places brings out the best in you. With Martial, it's the opposite his performances has suffered whenever he's had a player breathing down his neck for a place be it Rashford in 1st year or Alexis in 2nd year. Martial got the short end of the stick with how he's been treated but that doesn't give him a right to sulk and not give his maximum. It's the least we should expect from any player who's wearing our shirt, regardless of their quality. His attitude was night and day compared to how hard he was fighting for a place in XI from August to December than from February onwards.

 

[Kostov]

I didn't take into account CL matches. Your excuse for every shit performance Martial put was 'well everybody was shit too', that's not how it works. At Spurs we put in a diabolical display but Pogba and Martial were even by rest of the other outfielders garbage, both of them were dropped for Huddersfield but were brought back in for Newcastle where once again they were utter shit. Sevilla away was sandwiched in between where you mentioned Martial playing 10 minutes. He started next one v Chelsea anyway. So after Alexis was signed, he started 3 of the 4 PL matches he was fit and available for prior to his injury. Hardly thrown out of the XI straightaway.

How does it work? One standard for Martial and Shaw? another for Alexis and Ashley Young? Yeah, it might for you, but I don't like double standards, as most other people. And why would you forget Cl? That would have been the first CL knock out game for Martial at United, I expect player wait for those games with as much excitement as we fans.

Duh, how else would you judge players peak performance and his ability? Quality our own player has shown in patches, Alexis was supposed to be proven performer who'd churn out consistent match-winning performances like he did at Arsenal. For wide array of reasons that hasn't happened. Also a new signing is being afforded more leeway and time to settle than a player who's been here for 2 and a half years? Now that is news at 11?

Supposed to be, he wasn't and that's a fact. Getting your most on form attacker out of position to accommodate the new signing was as moronic as it gets. Especially considering our RW woes and how we relied on the Martial/Rashford spark most of the time. What did we get from that? Instead of going into the CL tie with a settled LW of Martial on form, we got Alexis who looked like a pub team, while Martial set on the bench. Yeah great decisions that was.

Once again he was shit so was everyone else, so don't call him out for it. Well tough shit, manager has always had reservations about him. So for him he's had a lot more to prove than others, he checked out once we signed Alexis. Something which his fans refuse to accept and continue to make excuses for him.

Well tough shit for the manager and his **** followers, when he has been told to feck off on making a stupid decision to sell our most promising attacker. He didn't check out of anything, but don't expect to treat people unfairly and still expect they to be pleased with that.

And tell me has Alexis proven anything to you? Was it worth it? I guess you would still say yes.

In football players are always signed in your position for more competition, healthy competition for places brings out the best in you. With Martial, it's the opposite his performances has suffered whenever he's had a player breathing down his neck for a place be it Rashford in 1st year or Alexis in 2nd year. Martial got the short end of the stick with how he's been treated but that doesn't give him a right to sulk and not give his maximum. It's the least we should expect from any player who's wearing our shirt, regardless of their quality. His attitude was night and day compared to how hard he was fighting for a place in XI from August to December than from February onwards.

Yeah what a wonderful decision it was to provide more "competition" for the only functioning wing we have, instead it was more of one player being favored over the other. While let me mention it we have Juan Mata and Lingard starting as RWs.

If only it wasn't Jose Mourinho and his proven track record of selling Lukaku/KDB/Salah people might have let it go without notice for his treatment of another 22 year old super talented attacker. Luckily someone showed a bit of sense and pulled the plug, otherwise we would probably had Willian right now stinking the place as much as Alexis.

 

[Ace of Spades]

Meh, don't see the problem with this. It just gives more leverage and options to the club.

 

[Mainoldo]

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So people can calm down.

We are calm. Him staying is a clear indication Mourinho is going anyway, regardless if he’s in the know or not.

 

[Alabaster Codify7]

Well, attempt to play him into form I suppose. He has been most impressive for us as an impact substitute anyway over the years - whenever he starts he seems to do poorly. Give him 20mins against Burnley, or so, see if he can do his specialty of running tired legs ragged and grabbing a goal.

 

[Lash]

We are calm. Him staying is a clear indication Mourinho is going anyway, regardless if he’s in the know or not.

I think that's wishful thinking on your part. I don't think it says much at all about Mourinho.

 

[fallengt]

His contract is running up. We'd sign him new contract regardlessly.

Say we want to sell him next summer. No club would pay 60m for a player with 1 year left.

 

[Mainoldo]

I think that's wishful thinking on your part. I don't think it says much at all about Mourinho.

Wishful thinking really? This is as much The demise of Conte replica as you can get. Everyone knows this is Mourinho’s last season. It’s just a roll of the dice whether he will see it through or get sacked. For the visionary’s out there we probably all hope he see’s it through as it means we actually made top 4.

 

[Mainoldo]

His contract is running up. We'd sign him new contract regardlessly.

Say we want to sell him next summer. No club would pay 60m for a player with 1 year left.

All this we... if he doesn’t want to stay here he’s not going to sign a new contract is he. It levels him with less leverage as the reverse does for us. So obviously he’s seen the positives in staying and not just a pay rise for 8 months.

 

[fallengt]

All this we... if he doesn’t want to stay here he’s not going to sign a new contract is he. It levels him with less leverage as the reverse does for us. So obviously he’s seen the positives in staying and not just a pay rise for 8 months.

He's found a stable relationship maybe? His form went dip when he had some trouble with his old gf.

Let's hope it works out for us.

 

[OL29]

I understand some hate and understand some love for Martial but the straight up "facts" people on here say about his attitude, his not trying in training, tantrums etc - how does anyone know exactly? All we know is he open to leaving as per his agent. Yes he has a face like a slapped @SS but he has had that since he arrived. At the end of the day we brought him as a player with great potential and to provide us goals and assists - which he has provided one or the other at an almost 1 in 2 rate since arriving.

So a young kid got pissed because his number was taken shortly after his publicity team had set up a brand name following an impressive debut season. Then the same manager purchased a proven Premier League player for his position and he was immediately moved to the opposite side to accommodate him. All despite his form being good and Jose himself even speaking about how better he had been and had taken the challenge of proving his worth to the team. Should he have been more mature after these events, Yes certainly 100%. Should he immediately be good playing in another position, No. Then he gets injured and was never really back in the team and even when he was he was clearly off form which subsequently led to him losing his place in the France squad. I get the feeling if Martial was not French and came up through the youth there would certainly be less hate.

For all we know he is trying hard in training, he is giving effort but he is just way off form - like Sanchez or Rashford for example who have been terrible but they get a pass. Martial was rubbish at Brighton, so was every player on our team! Maybe he is being a tit and not putting in effort...we dont know, that is the point! Has he ever come out and talked badly about the club or fans? No. So why the hate? Feck Martial FC and stupid shit like that. I not a huge fan of Rashford or Lingard and they seem to have their own versions of FC.
Do I hate on them, no, if they wanted to leave would I hate them, no. Lingard also often gets the young tag, he is 3 years older than Martial but Martial is expected to be so mature and the finished article with consistency. The hypocrisy is funny at times.

So what if Martial wants to go, let him go, if he wants to sign a new deal because he is willing to play a waiting game regarding Jose then so what!? He has scored or provided as many assists in less appearances than fan favorites but he is lazy, he has not proven himself worthy of a contract, he should feck off etc. Its a joke.

Great post and I especially agree with the bolded. Look at the difference in reaction to when Rashford plays poorly compared to Martial. They're both great young talents who deserve patience but for some reason Martial isn't afforded this.

 

[Bastian]

Nah. If Martial signs the new contract, essentially, I see three options this going on:

- Mourinho plays him and eventually he rediscovers his form. Win-win for everyone.
- Mourinho doesn't play him and then we sell Martial next summer for more money than in the scenario when he has just 1 year on his contract.
- Mourinho is sacked and then Martial plays under some other manager.

All three are better than having him going into his last year of his contract.

Agreed. Let's hope him being rewarded with a new contract means he'll put in the effort.

 

[Minimalist]

Makes complete sense why the higher ups would want to protect an asset like Martial regardless of what Mr. Bean wants to do with him.

He was our most exciting player until the latter came in. Always a good chance another manager can revitalise him (wouldn’t hurt to have a manager who actually coaches the attack) but if not, then we make some money back. Win-win.

 

[Smores]

Great post and I especially agree with the bolded. Look at the difference in reaction to when Rashford plays poorly compared to Martial. They're both great young talents who deserve patience but for some reason Martial isn't afforded this.

That's an absolute garbage and offensive opinion though. Rashford is criticised quite heavily on this forum and the only reason he gets off slightly lighter than Martial is because he's an academy product and because he puts more effort in which is at least something, Chong would be the same. Martial is a far better player but he can go into games with a lack of effort and it understandably gets people's backs up.

I agree with your second point they both deserve patience. People are in too much of a rush for them to become world class so arguments arise when it doesn't instantly happen.

 

[OL29]

That's an absolute garbage and offensive opinion though. Rashford is criticised quite heavily on this forum and the only reason he gets off slightly lighter than Martial is because he's an academy product and because he puts more effort in which is at least something, Chong would be the same. Martial is a far better player but he can go into games with a lack of effort and it understandably gets people's backs up.

I agree with your second point they both deserve patience. People are in too much of a rush for them to become world class so arguments arise when it doesn't instantly happen.

Offensive? Get a grip. You already said it yourself, he gets off lighter because he's an academy product. Always happens on this forum. People are still pining for Jonny Evans ffs. Rashford may work harder but he's also cost us with his greed on a few occasions. If situations were reversed, that would just be more ammo to abuse Martial with about his poor attitude. Posters would be talking nonsense about him believing he's bigger than the club.

Look at this quote from the Rashford thread, from a poster who's pretty vocal in his criticisms of Martial:

... What? He is a squad player. This post is a bizarre rant, kind of weird to talk down to one of our best academy talents and not want what is best for him.

He thinks it's weird to criticise Rashford as he's from the academy yet he's one of the most vocal critics of Martial on this board. And I guarantee you there's plenty of posters who think in the same way.

Oh and just to be clear, I rate Rashford highly and think he deserves time to improve. I just wish people would afford Martial the same privileges.

 

[Krakenzero]

I never understood this debate. United have 4 proper attackers and 50+ games a season in a decent run. Even playing only 2 at a time, there are plenty of minutes for all of them to develop in a season.

About Martial, great talent, youth, inconsistency, a bit of an attitude problem. Needs to work on the latter. Not much more to be said.

 

[Lash]

Wishful thinking really? This is as much The demise of Conte replica as you can get. Everyone knows this is Mourinho’s last season. It’s just a roll of the dice whether he will see it through or get sacked. For the visionary’s out there we probably all hope he see’s it through as it means we actually made top 4.

Apart from the fact that off the back off this, the upper hierachy are willing to change - hence all the DOF talk. I'm not so sure if it is, I do see why people think it is though - I just think history won't repeat itself this time as there are few different factors. It's a toss of a coin, based off the information we do know, tbh.

 

[Bestietom]

I can see Mourinho changing the backline again against Burnley. He is trying to prove a point to Woodward and the board that we need CB's and it will not do the club /team any good.

 

[sunama]

It seems that José is working against Mourinho alongside Woodward.

This can't be easy.
Having to work against yourself and Woodward.

 

[sunama]

I can see Mourinho changing the backline again against Burnley. He is trying to prove a point to Woodward and the board that we need CB's and it will not do the club /team any good.

In the last match, Smalling, Jones and Toby were all the pitch and it was evident for our DoF, Woodward, to see that Toby was better than Smalling and several levels above P.Jones, who IMO is a Championship level defender.
Jose doesn't need to keep showing Woodward, that he over-estimated our current set of CBs.
Make no mistake, Toby would've been our best CB, had he joined in the Summer.