Anthony Martial Announces Departure From Manchester United

Anthony Martial, Manchester United departure

According to confirmed reports, Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has announced his departure from Old Trafford. The Frenchman’s contract expires at the end of this season and with the club hierarchy opting not to renew his contract, he is set to leave the club after nine years of service.

Signed for Manchester United in September 2015, Anthony Martial joined as a 19-year-old teenager on a record fee. The deal was worth around £36m, making him the most expensive teenager in football’s history at that time. He made a bright start to life at Old Trafford, scoring a brilliant solo goal on his debut against arch-rivals Liverpool.

The attacker, a 30-time French international, remained a key player for the Red Devils in the next few seasons. His best individual campaign came in 2019-20 when he finished as the club’s top scorer with 23 goals and winning the Players’ Player of the Year trophy.

Anthony Martial celebrating after scoring for Manchester United, Manchester United, Anthony Martial — Image Obtained Via GOAL

As reported by the Manchester United website, the French striker is set to depart from the Theatre of Dreams after the expiration of his contract this summer. The attacker will leave on a free transfer having stayed at the club for 9 years. Anthony Martial announced his departure from United on Instagram with an open letter to the fans:

“Dear Manchester United fans, It’s with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye. After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.

“Since I arrived in 2015, I have had the immense honour of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world! You have been an unwavering support, through the good times and the difficult. Your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of motivation for me.

“I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me. Your songs, your encouragement and your love for the club are memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to all my team-mates, technical staff and all the members of the club I have met during my 9 years here. I am proud to have been able to share these experiences with you.

“Manchester United will always be in my heart. This club has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you. I’m leaving to take on new challenges, I’ll always be a Red Devil and I’ll continue to follow the club’s results with passion. Thank you again for everything, and see you soon. With all my affection, Anthony Martial.”

The 28-year-old has featured in 317 games for the Red Devils, accumulating 90 goals and 47 assists during his time (Stats via Transfermarkt). He made just 19 appearances this campaign with only 7 starts across all competitions and scored 2 goals.

The Frenchman was a key member of the United squad that won the Europa League in 2017 under manager Jose Mourinho. He has also won one FA Cup, 2 Carabao Cups and a Community Shield as a Red. However, he missed out on another FA Cup trophy as he was nursing a groin injury and didn’t feature in the United squad in their 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Man City.

Anthony martial skillspic.twitter.com/uyXo28vW8d

— InfoBall (@infoball07) April 1, 2024

The France international had been a crucial first-team player under Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, in recent years, he has not been involved with the team as heavily as before due to injuries. Inconsistency and injuries marred him from realising his true potential, else what a player he could have been, one of the very best.

Next Possible Destination of Anthony Martial

The Frenchman previously spoke of Thierry Henry and his affection for Arsenal. In 2018, while playing for the Red Devils, he openly revealed his love for the Gunners due to their connection with French players. There could be an outside chance to join Mikel Arteta’s squad but it looks highly unlikely.

Meanwhile, Inter Milan have expressed interest in signing the striker, as per reports. After his departure from United, Anthony Martial could move to San Siro as a free agent. But, as of now, there is no concrete information about his next destination.

Manchester United fans will remember him as a skillful attacker, who could take on defenders and dribble past them with ease. He had a sweet right foot that could produce the most glorious curls and will be remembered as a player who was good at link-up play, and was a naturally talented footballer.

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