Remember, back in 2018, when former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho issued that iconic ‘see where they play, how they play, if they play’ line in response to those who had recently departed Old Trafford?
Well rarely has Mourinho’s poetic quip seemed as pertinent as today.
Because Manchester United’s decision to get rid of numerous long-serving players looks all the more justifiable when you consider ‘where’ they are playing, ‘how’ they are playing and indeed ‘if’ they are playing away from the Premier League giants.
The likes of Alex Telles, Donny van de Beek, Eric Bailly and Jesse Lingard can only dream of playing at such a high level these days.
Anthony Martial, meanwhile, remains a free-agent three months after his contract expired.
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Manchester United released Anthony Martial
Still only 28, Martial has been linked with numerous clubs both inside and outside of Europe but remains unattached.
That, of course, probably has a lot to do with an injury record that would have even Darren Anterton wincing.
Martial started only 17 Premier League games in his last three seasons with the Red Devils. A statistic which makes a mockery of his colossal wages, and raises the question why Man United did not do more to get the former France international off a debilitating wage bill far earlier.
Back to the present, who will realistically offer a player so injury prone a contract capable of meeting his ambitions and his wage demands?
Certainly not Lille, the 2021 Ligue 1 champions ruling out a deal for a. player who rose through the ranks at Monaco before making that £36 million move to Man United in the Louis van Gaal era.
Lille president Olivier Letang insists that no talks have taken place. And nor will they either.
“Contacts with Martial? No. Absolutely none,” Letang tells DAZN. “I’m not in the habit of stockpiling players. We have Jonathan David, Mohamed Bayo, and Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
“That’s already three solutions for one position.”
Lille say France striker is not returning to Ligue 1
According to Fabrizio Romano, via his official X account, Martial has received a number of approaches. He reportedly turned his nose up at offers from England, however, while Turkish giants Besiktas opted to bring in Lazio legend Ciro Immobile instead.
Como have also been mentioned, the Serie A newcomers seemingly determined to build a squad of 2018 all-stars. Alberto Moreno and Patrick Cutrone have already joined Pepe Reina and former Man United centre-back Raphael Varane.
“I would like to express my gratitude to all my teammates, technical staff and all the members of the club I have met during my years here,” Martial wrote on Instagram when announcing his Man United departure at the start of the summer.
“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.”
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