Anthony Martial conned us at Man United - we thought he was something he wasn't (2025)

Manchester United paid a record-breaking fee for Anthony Martial in 2015 that he never quite lived up to at Old Trafford

United shelled out a staggering £36million, plus another possible £21.6m in bonuses for the then 19-year-old striker, making him the world's most expensive teenager at the time. Fast forward nearly a decade, and Martial's departure to AEK Athens on a free transfer in September was a far cry from his statement-making arrival at Old Trafford.

Despite memorably scoring against Liverpool on his debut and ending his first season with 17 goals in 49 games, Martial struggled to consistently deliver on his early promise. He never truly became United's centre-forward.

READ MORE: Manchester United revoke four players' 'untouchable' status as part of new transfer plans

READ MORE: Manchester United's most important signing could be a free transfer

Upon securing the young forward's signature, United manager Louis van Gaal was full of praise. "Anthony is a naturally talented, young, multi-functional forward with great potential," he said. "I believe this is the club for him to continue his development." Sir Alex Ferguson also had high hopes for the newcomer, declaring: "The boy Anthony Martial, he can be anything."

However, Martial's trajectory at United took a hit once Van Gaal made way for Jose Mourinho in 2016. Mourinho's approach didn't sit well with Martial, who expressed his discontent with early public criticism from the new coach. "It's true that I'd have preferred it if [Mourinho] told me directly, there's no need to say it in front of everybody," Martial admitted to RMC Sport. "After that, you definitely want to prove him wrong."

By 2018, his agent Philippe Lamboley revealed the player was considering an exit due to limited playing time, often vying with Marcus Rashford for a spot on the team. Despite this, co-owner Joel Glazer was reportedly hesitant to sell the Frenchman, and Mourinho was dismissed later that year in December.

Anthony Martial conned us at Man United - we thought he was something he wasn't (1)

His time under Mourinho was the first slump of his United career, beginning with the moment Martial had to relinquish his number nine shirt for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. It was Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who later corrected this in 2019, seemingly giving the striker a significant confidence boost which translated into on-pitch success.

Recalling this pivotal change, Martial said in an interview with Canal+: "He [Solskjaer] sent me a message, he said 'Do you want to take your No. 9 shirt back?'" Martial replied eagerly: "I straight up said 'Yes!' and he told me now it's up to you to show me [that you deserve it] every time you're on the pitch."

True to this challenge, Martial went on to score 23 goals in 48 matches during the 2019/20 season, while also delivering 11 assists. Yet, the perception of Martial's role at United soon took a sharp turn when United legend Paul Scholes discussed his poor start to the new campaign,

"These forwards are exceptionally talented lads. We all know that," Scholes told Stadium Astro in October 2020. "The problem with United's forwards is that none of them is an actual centre-forward.

Anthony Martial conned us at Man United - we thought he was something he wasn't (2)

"Martial almost conned us into thinking he was one at the end of last season because he scored so many goals and was quite good. He's started this season quite poorly again, which makes you think he isn't. It's misleading. That's why I've kept saying we need a top-class No. 9."

Martial's time at United was marked by ups and downs, and he found himself sliding down the pecking order. The French forward faced increased competition for game time with the arrival of Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford cementing his place on the left wing. The challenge became even steeper after United signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho in 2021.

Aged 26 and with limited playing time, Martial found himself at a career low when then-interim coach Ralf Rangnick suggested he had declined to be part of a matchday squad. Martial disputed this claim on social media, saying: "I will never refuse to play a match for Man Utd. I've been here for seven years and I never disrespected and will never disrespect the club and the fans."

Anthony Martial conned us at Man United - we thought he was something he wasn't (3)

This resulted in an unfruitful loan spell at Sevilla before Martial returned to Old Trafford under the guidance of new boss Erik ten Hag. Injuries stopped Martial from immediately cementing a place under the new manager. However, as United parted ways with Ronaldo and Cavani, he saw another chance to spearhead United's front line.

His tenure under Ten Hag delivered moments of excellence but also inconsistency; Martial netted 11 times, though half of his 48 appearances under the Dutch coach were off the bench. With his contract concluding last summer following an injury layoff since December 2023, Martial's nine-year spell at the club ended with a whimper.

Ultimately, his time at Manchester United was marked by a series of missed opportunities. Whether it was due to managerial changes, high-profile signings or his unfortunate injury record, it meant that Martial never became the star centre-forward that United havehoped for. Now 29, he has been given a second chance by AEK Athens after regaining his fitness, scoring six goals in 13 appearances for the Greek team this season.

Anthony Martial conned us at Man United - we thought he was something he wasn't (2025)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 5928

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.