Martial agent looking for a new club for him

Matriac

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"Should have sold him in the summer."

What club put in an offer? A club Martial would be willing to move to?

Should we not have gotten Sancho or Ronaldo until we sold Martial?

Every player in the squad should be given chances, in less important matches. The League Cup (especially earlier stages) are one of those matches. Now he got a full 90 minutes and cannot complain in the future if he's left down the pecking order. Now he's likely relegated to the bench again barring any injury crisis, and may get some chances at the end of matches, but unless he takes those chances well he shouldn't start any matches of importance (at least not at CF).
 

BarstoolProphet

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Think I'm about done, and I am (was?) A huge fan
Same. Don't know what has happened to him. It is sad to see. He has always looked disinterested in the Berbatov mould, but he usually came to life whenever he got the ball and started running at people. Can't remember the last time I've seen him do that. Maybe he has gone down the Lingard route and having trouble off the field. Either way, we can't afford to let him take up a space in the starting eleven/matchday squad the way he is playing now.
 

crossy1686

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"Should have sold him in the summer."

What club put in an offer? A club Martial would be willing to move to?

Should we not have gotten Sancho or Ronaldo until we sold Martial?

Every player in the squad should be given chances, in less important matches. The League Cup (especially earlier stages) are one of those matches. Now he got a full 90 minutes and cannot complain in the future if he's left down the pecking order. Now he's likely relegated to the bench again barring any injury crisis, and may get some chances at the end of matches, but unless he takes those chances well he shouldn't start any matches of importance (at least not at CF).
Apparently Lyon made an offer? But the summer market was quiet as everyone wanted to reduce their wage budget, not increase it.

Honestly, no matter what we're going to have to pay him to play elsewhere for a few years, we might as well have done it this summer just gone. It doesn't matter who the team is, if they're willing to loan him and contribute to some of his salary then we move him on. If he refuses to go then tell him he's 5th choice at United in the CF position and probably won't play again this season unless we have a bunch of injuries.

He's not good enough to play CF but he's bulked up too much to play LW, he doesn't have a position anymore.
 

Kopral Jono

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As a man that doesn't hang players out to dry, this is very bad news for Martial. Solskajer has been loyal to him and he's doing his best to get him sacked with these performances, including 7 goals in more than a season.
Agree. Things are grim when Ole, possibly the nicest manager in English football, starts making a snide comment about his own player publicly.
 

Matriac

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Apparently Lyon made an offer? But the summer market was quiet as everyone wanted to reduce their wage budget, not increase it.

Honestly, no matter what we're going to have to pay him to play elsewhere for a few years, we might as well have done it this summer just gone. It doesn't matter who the team is, if they're willing to loan him and contribute to some of his salary then we move him on. If he refuses to go then tell him he's 5th choice at United in the CF position and probably won't play again this season unless we have a bunch of injuries.

He's not good enough to play CF but he's bulked up too much to play LW, he doesn't have a position anymore.
They offered to loan him on deadline day. Martial turned them down himself. That late in the window you've likely made up your mind for the coming season and don't want to make changes unless someone comes in for you convincingly. And with James leaving and Rashford out for a while, he probably figured he'd get enough chances (maybe he even knew Cavani would be out for a while). Maybe he didn't think Sancho would start on the LW over him.

According to other reports we were willing to sell him all summer for offers north of £25m. But again, Martial must have been willing to move himself.
 

crossy1686

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They offered to loan him on deadline day. Martial turned them down himself. That late in the window you've likely made up your mind for the coming season and don't want to make changes unless someone comes in for you convincingly. And with James leaving and Rashford out for a while, he probably figured he'd get enough chances (maybe he even knew Cavani would be out for a while). Maybe he didn't think Sancho would start on the LW over him.

According to other reports we were willing to sell him all summer for offers north of £25m. But again, Martial must have been willing to move himself.
I think he would have got more minutes if Ronaldo hadn't come in. We'd probably be starting him most games now, which would be utterly depressing. Hopefully he realises that this just isn't working for him and he needs to move on. As long as we cover his salary up to what he's currently on he shouldn't have any issues joining Lyon or Inter on loan in Jan
 

Lynty

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Was a huge fan.

This isn't the same Martial we had a few seasons ago. God knows whats happened.

Needs to drop a level and rediscover himself like Memphis.
 

JakeTheRed

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Obviously I can't speak for the guy but I get the impression he just isn't enjoying/has fallen out of love with football.
 

Lash

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I think he would have got more minutes if Ronaldo hadn't come in. We'd probably be starting him most games now, which would be utterly depressing. Hopefully he realises that this just isn't working for him and he needs to move on. As long as we cover his salary up to what he's currently on he shouldn't have any issues joining Lyon or Inter on loan in Jan
Yeah, I think we have to potentially look at it like a Jesse situation. Best for him and us, I still think there's a hell of a player in there.
 

georgipep

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I think he would have got more minutes if Ronaldo hadn't come in. We'd probably be starting him most games now, which would be utterly depressing. Hopefully he realises that this just isn't working for him and he needs to move on. As long as we cover his salary up to what he's currently on he shouldn't have any issues joining Lyon or Inter on loan in Jan
Moving to another club includes moving to another city and in the cases of the clubs you quoted, another country. That's not as simple as choosing what to eat tonight. Players have lives. If he doesn't want to move there's nothing Manchester United can do.
 

Matriac

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I think he would have got more minutes if Ronaldo hadn't come in. We'd probably be starting him most games now, which would be utterly depressing. Hopefully he realises that this just isn't working for him and he needs to move on. As long as we cover his salary up to what he's currently on he shouldn't have any issues joining Lyon or Inter on loan in Jan
That I agree with.

He got his chance now to prove himself after his summer out of the international squad to work on himself and come back motivated, but didn't look like he cared, that he was too big of a player to play in the second string team or something.

Now he either has to turn it around for himself through a few 15-20min subs, or he should go on loan in January to revive his career like Lingard did. (And ideally in my mind, make a permanent transfer in the summer.)
When Rashford and Cavani are back there should be no chance for him to start. He might not even make the bench in some games.
 

crossy1686

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Moving to another club includes moving to another city and in the cases of the clubs you quoted, another country. That's not as simple as choosing what to eat tonight. Players have lives. If he doesn't want to move there's nothing Manchester United can do.
I'm sure he'd settle fine back in Monaco, Lille or Lyon. Milan isn't bad either, it doesn't have a Gay Village or a curry mile but I think he'd be alright.
 

crossy1686

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Yeah, I think we have to potentially look at it like a Jesse situation. Best for him and us, I still think there's a hell of a player in there.
I think a few still think this, even Solskjaer, but this notion is what gets managers fired. Look at the managers Balotelli got sacked over the years.
 

Lash

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I think a few still think this, even Solskjaer, but this notion is what gets managers fired. Look at the managers Balotelli got sacked over the years.
Yeah, I've said that Solskjaers loyalty to some players that don't deserve it, will be his downfall. I hope that's not the case, but you do wonder.
 

Kaizane

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This guy needs a sports psychologist and a fresh start somewhere else with less pressure, his cycle here is done.


Thanks for your service Tony, but please move on.
 

Mercurial Beckham

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He’s not a bad player but he’s absolutely toothless in the middle. He’s not a CF and never has been. Assuming we can get a decent offer for him I’d assume he will be out the door.
This. I’ve never really understood his conversion to striker. He can actually be very dangerous coming in off that left wing on his right foot. He’s not a true striker and never will be. He just doesn’t have the instinct or hunger to be an elite level striker. His main skill set is his close control dribbling and ability to just effortlessly glide past a defender. It’s rather beautiful to watch in full flight. He had at least one moment like this against West Ham yesterday. He’s a big reason why we got so many Pens over the last couple seasons. His close control dribbling in the box. He also plays very nice one-touch passing in and around the box. Example, see his performance for France in the recent qualifiers. Can’t remember who they were playing, but it was the game where Griezmann scored a brace. He didn’t score, but was crucial in a couple of the goals due to his intricate touch passing with Benzema and Griezmann, in the box. Probably his best game he’s had in recent memory. He is a good player, but not a ‘lead the line’ striker. I think he’d shine playing as a 2nd striker, just under the main striker, similar to the role Jesse played for West Ham last season. Unfortunately, we don’t have a need for that type of player at the moment, given the options we have at our disposal. Probably best for all parties he move on, however unlikely due to his wage. There is a player in there though. His languid style also doesn’t do him any favors. With his high-level technical ability, he’d do well for a top 4 Serie A club.
 

RUCK4444

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We will be lucky to find a buyer at this point. No manager in this league is looking at him as a potential no 9, which he isn't, he's a winger.

The lack of runs in behind yesterday was embarrassingly bad, Mason comes on and within 10 seconds demonstrates a run in behind that Martial could have been doing for 70 minutes.

I don't mean this disrespectful but I genuinely think he's a thick player, no intelligence to understand what's required in a game and implement it. I mean at this point, after a season of pure shite from him last season, you think you would at least see the penny drop over the aspect of needing to make runs. At this point he's either thick or lazy. Might sound harsh but I was absolutely done with him last season anyway.
 

spiriticon

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This. I’ve never really understood his conversion to striker. He can actually be very dangerous coming in off that left wing on his right foot.
Unfortunately for him, we have about 5 players in the team who have that same exact trait and he's well down the pecking order.
 

EireRed_GS

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He was great a few seasons back when playing off the left.. then he decided he wanted to be our main no9 striker, and he really really isnt that type of player. He just doesnt have the drive for it.

My main problem with him now, is he just doesn't give a f*ck. not one.. Just walks about with no effort to make himself available or making darting runs into free space, which what i expect to see from a striker (see cavani). Then he looks miserable and pissed off when being asked to do something or being replaced. It drives me mad sitting at OT just watching him walk about always wanting the ball to his feet.

I actually remember a game about 2 seasons ago where he was stood in the D at edge of box and whilst the ball was being played around him he didnt move once, and Mata made about 4 darting runs past him to try get a pass, and he still hadnt moved. I was stunned at the lack of effort.

A club with United's stature shouldn't pander to anyone with an attitude like this.. Straight out the door, Ole needs to be ruthless now. He's behind Ronaldo, Cavani, Greenwood & Rashford now up front.
 

georgipep

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I'm sure he'd settle fine back in Monaco, Lille or Lyon. Milan isn't bad either, it doesn't have a Gay Village or a curry mile but I think he'd be alright.
I don't know him or his preference but there is an ocean between Monaco, Lille and Lyon as cities....
We will be lucky to find a buyer at this point. No manager in this league is looking at him as a potential no 9, which he isn't, he's a winger.

The lack of runs in behind yesterday was embarrassingly bad, Mason comes on and within 10 seconds demonstrates a run in behind that Martial could have been doing for 70 minutes.

I don't mean this disrespectful but I genuinely think he's a thick player, no intelligence to understand what's required in a game and implement it. I mean at this point, after a season of pure shite from him last season, you think you would at least see the penny drop over the aspect of needing to make runs. At this point he's either thick or lazy. Might sound harsh but I was absolutely done with him last season anyway.
I agree with your comment about his game intelligence but not so much about the example with Greenwood's run. Watch the replay, Greenwood is the third man run (which is a classic space stretching tactics) and Martial actually plays a significant role in the play.

I would argue that Jesse's positioning deeper and Mata's lack of pace hurt Martial's options to make successful runs in behind. There's no point in him making a run if nobody else will make a run to stretch the defence.
 

Ibi Dreams

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Used to love him and was so excited about him, a real shame what's happened with him. Agree that he probably needs to move on, he's not going to get the chance to play his way back into form with us and mentally it just seems like he needs a reboot.

He has time to still have a great career, but I don't think it will happen with us
 

Pexbo

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Martial FC is going to be in the conference next season at this rate.
 

Tiber

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I used to be a big fan, but he seems to have totally lost it. Dunno if its just a confidence issue.
 

RUCK4444

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I don't know him or his preference but there is an ocean between Monaco, Lille and Lyon as cities....

I agree with your comment about his game intelligence but not so much about the example with Greenwood's run. Watch the replay, Greenwood is the third man run (which is a classic space stretching tactics) and Martial actually plays a significant role in the play.

I would argue that Jesse's positioning deeper and Mata's lack of pace hurt Martial's options to make successful runs in behind. There's no point in him making a run if nobody else will make a run to stretch the defence.
I mean it was just one example but sticking with it for argument sake, Greenwood just played a simple pass wide, kept his momentum within the move and made a really good run which almost forces the players behind him to play that ball over the top to him, it doesn't really matter about what Lingard and Mata are doing, they don't dictate Martials movement, I would ague it to the contrary, with Martial's sheer lack of movement limiting the options for Lingard and Mata.

It sounds simplistic but one simple action would transform Martial as a number 9 (or at the least give him a chance there) but I don't think he's capable of it, or should I say willing or intelligent enough to do it...

That's to receive the ball, pass it simply wide or back into the midfield and spin in behind give the defenders a problem, stretch the play, vary the attack. He will refuse to do this, time and again for entire games.

He refuses to do the basics of a number 9 and make a run in behind the defence. Instead he drops deep where defenders can predict him, he want's it to feet, holds the ball, turns and tries to run past five defenders. His dribbling is good but not good enough to entirely ignore the fundamentals of number 9 play and to make zero runs off the ball.

He's basically learned nothing from Ole or Cavani especially which further strengthens my feeling of it being a lack of intelligence.
 

acnumber9

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At some stage we’ll have to re-evaluate how ‘talented’ he actually is. What are his stand out skills? He can’t pass, he can’t cross, his movement is abysmal, his dribbling is shite. The one skill that he had that he continued to display past his first season here was his finishing. Even that was one particular type of finish when he could open his body up to side foot into the far corner. He’s incredibly easy to defend against because any smart defender will know that’s the way he’ll score 90% of his goals.
 

izak

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Players like Martial are part of the reason we've been so inconsistent, they come here with huge reputationc earn big wage and suddenly stop to improve their game.

At this rate if we can get a £25m fee for him we should take that and run, all this talk about rating him at £50m is laughable.

Anyone knows what OGS said about him after another poor performance?
 

goptun

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At some stage we’ll have to re-evaluate how ‘talented’ he actually is. What are his stand out skills? He can’t pass, he can’t cross, his movement is abysmal, his dribbling is shite. The one skill that he had that he continued to display past his first season here was his finishing. Even that was one particular type of finish when he could open his body up to side foot into the far corner. He’s incredibly easy to defend against because any smart defender will know that’s the way he’ll score 90% of his goals.
Martial's dribbling most definitely isn't shite, especially not for a striker. It's not the most refined, but his use of the ball when moving used to be really effective - he was agile and was able to burst past defenders with ease. His passing is also more than adequate and he's able to link up play productively when in the mood. We've seen how good he can be, he's demonstrated his ability and quality numerous times here. The problem with Martial is in his head but it's such a problem that it's massively debilitating. There's no need to revise his talent, that's not the issue. Unfortunately he's lost his way massively and he needs to go elsewhere to give himself the best chance of having a career that he can look back on and be proud of.
 

georgipep

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I mean it was just one example but sticking with it for argument sake, Greenwood just played a simple pass wide, kept his momentum within the move and made a really good run which almost forces the players behind him to play that ball over the top to him, it doesn't really matter about what Lingard and Mata are doing, they don't dictate Martials movement, I would ague it to the contrary, with Martial's sheer lack of movement limiting the options for Lingard and Mata.

It sounds simplistic but one simple action would transform Martial as a number 9 (or at the least give him a chance there) but I don't think he's capable of it, or should I say willing or intelligent enough to do it...

That's to receive the ball, pass it simply wide or back into the midfield and spin in behind give the defenders a problem, stretch the play, vary the attack. He will refuse to do this, time and again for entire games.

He refuses to do the basics of a number 9 and make a run in behind the defence. Instead he drops deep where defenders can predict him, he want's it to feet, holds the ball, turns and tries to run past five defenders. His dribbling is good but not good enough to entirely ignore the fundamentals of number 9 play and to make zero runs off the ball.

He's basically learned nothing from Ole or Cavani especially which further strengthens my feeling of it being a lack of intelligence.
I agree that Martial's natural game is run with the ball at defenders, not find corridors to run behind. And that's something that makes him super limited. No doubt about it.

My previous comment was more about that particular run from Greenwood and how it was only made possible because Martial and another player (can't remember who it was)ade runs as well, taking defenders out of position.
 

Matriac

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Do Everton want him? They normally go for this sort of player.

What about Inter?
Inter were apparantly interested in him in the summer of 2020 to replace Lautaro Martinez who was then going to Barcelona.. Lautaro is still at Inter, and they are broke now, but maybe they would take him on loan.
 

Alvaro Maestre

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I was hoping all game that after his bad performance he was going to score one easy goal, but no, not even a possible tap in that he had.... He just dont want to play at the same level as the rest.
 

BlueHaze

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Probably one of the biggest enigmas I've seen wearing our shirt. He' gone from fantastic to shite to fantastic to shite in an endless cycle. Time has come where a move would benefit both parties. Inconsistency like this is what hinders us from taking the next step. We have far too many players like this.