French striker Anthony Martial has encountered obstacles in his quest to regain full fitness after falling victim to a sickness bug last month, which affected several Manchester United players prior to their 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on December 9.
Recent reports from the Daily Mail indicate that Martial has been absent from training with the Red Devils’ first team since the incident. Despite various players grappling with the illness, Martial stands out as the only one yet to fully recover. Manager Erik ten Hag’s decision for Martial to focus on individual training is explained not as a disciplinary action but rather as a strategy to address the player’s current lack of match fitness.
However, Manchester United has made it unequivocally clear that Martial is not part of their future plans, signaling a notable shift in the player’s standing at Old Trafford. With Martial’s contract set to conclude at the end of the season, the club has opted against offering him a new deal.
Despite expressing openness to selling Martial during the current transfer window, Manchester United’s stance has been met with the player’s decision to honor his contract with the English giants. Reports suggest that Martial has turned down offers from Marseille, Fenerbahce, and Saudi Arabian clubs this month, as reported by The Athletic. This latest development encapsulates Martial’s tenure at Manchester United, marked by performances falling short of expectations.
The decision to prioritize individual training not only reflects Martial’s ongoing recovery from the recent sickness bug but also underscores the broader context of his diminishing role within the club. Manchester United’s clear decision not to extend his contract, combined with Martial rejecting transfer opportunities, highlights a significant chapter in the player’s underwhelming journey at Old Trafford.
As Martial navigates the final months of his contract, his future remains uncertain. The dynamics between player and club, along with the potential for alternative opportunities, will undoubtedly be closely monitored by football enthusiasts as this chapter unfolds at Manchester United.
