Gary Neville shares theory on why Man Utd haven’t offloaded Anthony Martial

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Gary Neville believes that Manchester United have been simply ‘frightened to death’ of seeing Anthony Martial unlock his potential elsewhere.

One of the biggest examples of United’s problems in recent years has been Anthony Martial.

United took a bold step by splashing £36million on Martial back in 2015 – but with scope for the deal to reach up to £59million.

Then a 19-year-old with enormous potential, Martial made an immediate impact with his memorable goal against Liverpool.

United fans were excited; Martial seemed to have it all in his locker and 17 goals in his debut season suggested that he would become a superstar.

Gary Neville comments on Anthony Martial struggles at Manchester United

Martial has, sadly, never managed to kick on from that impressive debut campaign.

There have been some bright spots, including a 23-goal campaign in the 2019-20 season, but Martial has only scored 19 goals since.

A loan spell with Sevilla in 2022 didn’t help and Martial has scored just twice this season.

The Frenchman turned in a disinterested performance against Newcastle on Saturday and fans have had enough.

Martial is out of contract at the end of the season and, after nine disappointing years at Old Trafford, it’s surely time for him to go.

Pundit and former United ace Gary Neville has now told Stick to Football that he thinks United have been ‘frightened to death’ of selling Martial.

Neville believes that managers and decision-makers inside Old Trafford have feared Martial would go and impress elsewhere, making United look foolish.

Neville accepts that Martial has talent but is clearly frustrated at seeing him get chance after chance at United without much reward.

“They were frightened to death of him going somewhere and doing something,” said Neville. “They were frightened to death because he’s just got that little bit of talent. Every manager has had the same problem with him – they’ve all been like ‘is he gonna come and hurt us?’ That’s when you just… argh,” he added in frustration.

Martial still has suitors ahead of January transfer window

Signed by Louis van Gaal, Martial has been through the Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag eras.

Now 27, Martial seems like a player who just isn’t going to live up to the early hype, whether he plays for United or moves on.

Remarkably though, there does still appear to be interest in Martial – and it’s lofty interest at that.

Reports in November suggested that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Martial and taking him back to France.

Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Lyon, Marseille and Inter Milan were also mentioned as being keen on Martial.

United may hope to sell in January rather than let him go for nothing at the end of the season, but many fans are probably just hoping to see him move on one way or another in 2024.