Manchester United have been tipped to see exits this winter and potentially, the next summer as well. Recently, Anthony Martial’s agent revealed that the Frenchman wants to leave Manchester United this winter.
Martial has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho have only made his situation worse. Martial has started only twice this season and has managed to find the back of the net only once. Since arriving from AS Monaco back in 2015, Martial has progressively struggled for game-time as what once looked like a promising start for the 26-year-old, has now turned into a nightmare.
Martial still has three years left in his contract, which ends in 2024. There is also an option to extend his stay at the club by an additional year, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that we will get to that point.
The player’s agent revealed that he will be speaking to the club soon regarding a potential winter transfer for the 26-year-old, who “just wants to play”. Martial has been linked with Barcelona, who are searching for their ‘perfect striker’ ever since Luis Suarez left the club in the summer of 2019.
However, Martial is not the only one who could be leaving the Red Devils this winter or this summer. Paul Pogba, whose contract expires this summer has been tipped to leave the Red Devils on a Bosman, having not agreed to a new contract with the former Premier League champions yet. Mind you, the 28-year-old will be able to hold pre-contract talks with any of the clubs that might approach him, from January 1.
The midfielder is currently out injured, and it could be another month on the sidelines for him before we see him on the field.
Ralf Rangnick while addressing the press ahead of United’s game against Norwich, did not specifically refer to Pogba and Martial (who are both said to be looking for an exit) said,
“This is Man Utd, one of the biggest clubs in the world. If you don’t want to stay, leave. No one’s begging you.”
One can only assume that this clear message laid out by the German was one for all the players and not Pogba or Martial in particular.
Rangnick also hinted that the team will see some departures in the coming days or months as they look to trim their squad down a little. Having said that, the former RB Leipzig boss revealed that he has been in touch with Paul Pogba and that he was “looking forward” to working with the Frenchman.
United are currently level on points with West Ham United in the fifth place but the Hammers could gain a 3-point lead over the Red Devils as they have got a game in hand. United are currently 12 points away from the league leaders in Manchester City and breaking into the top three looks a bit difficult for the Red Devils.
Do you think Manchester United will be able to secure a UEFA Champions League spot for the next season?
