Does Anthony Martial’s Sevilla Loan Spell the end of his Manchester United career?

The picture of sadness etched on Anthony Martial’s face was there for everyone to see as the Frenchman trudged off the pitch after the West Ham game. Can we really blame him for such a reaction after his return to action was met by boos, from his own fans?

United’s number 9 will spend the rest of the season on loan at Sevilla. The French forward has reportedly taken a wage cut to spend the next six months elsewhere. However, despite it being a temporary departure one can’t help but feel Martial has played his last match for United.

When the fresh-faced 19-year-old made his debut in 2015, it was difficult not to fall in love. A goal against Liverpool to open your account at Old Trafford is what most dream of and he lived it. Everything seemed finely poised for Martial to become a hero in a side that lacked inspiration. The comparisons to Thierry Henry were more than merited as, from the left or as the focal point he just oozed class. “Ice cold. No Smile. Black Gloves. Came from France. No chance by the media.” Martial finished his maiden season at the club with 17 goals and set up nine in 47 appearances. The then Golden boy winner looked primed to kick on and justify his inflated fee as well as his “Ballon D’or clause”.

Where did it go wrong? Competition or not feeling loved?

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After playing a huge part in United’s 2016 FA Cup victory with a goal in the semi-final, Martial and the rest of the squad welcomed a new manager. Serial winner Jose Mourinho’s and Martial’s relationship got off to a bitter start before they had even met. While on his holiday’s following France’s EURO 2016 final defeat, Martial learned of the fact that Zlatan Ibrahimovic had taken his number. Jose Mourinho had not only signed the Swede to take his place but also took his no.9 shirt. The reason that had meant so much to Martial is that following a successful season he saw the marketing potential of becoming a brand and the face of Nike. His sponsorship and advertising never really took off after that.

The Frenchman struggled to adapt to the rigorous demands of Jose Mourinho’s defensive ideas and that hampered his position in the team. Up front, Ibrahimovic was a mainstay while on the left Marcus Rashford was favoured for his willingness to track back, something Martial lacked. He ended that season with eight goals and eight assists in 42 appearances, an underwhelming return considering the standard set in his first season.

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Martial never truly flourished under Mourinho. With Ibrahimovic being replaced by Romelu Lukaku, Martial still couldn’t find a route into the starting 11. It wasn’t until, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s full season in charge where the Frenchman felt loved. The Norweigian had overseen Martial’s new bumper contract in January 2019. In the 19/20 season, the forward played some of his best football to date managing 23 goals, 12 assists and being named United’s players’ player of the year award. All with his much loved no.9 shirt on his back again. However, once again following a successful season, like a bad smell, competition followed.

Edinson Cavani’s late arrival in the 20/21 season put pressure on Martial to find performances that he couldn’t offer. Injuries and suspensions meant that his season was disjointed resulting in his worst return of goals in a red shirt with eight in 37 games. Even Solskjaer’s patience with him began to fade.

Since then, the return of Cristiano Ronaldo has pushed the forward further down the pecking order and with the likes of Anthony Elanga emerging a loan seemed Martial’s best option.

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The truth with Martial is, he didn’t respond well to competition. However, he was never rewarded for his success. During his six and a half years at Old Trafford, there has been a reluctance to show full faith in the forward hence his topsy turvy time at the club. That could however change should a new manager with new ideas arrive in the summer and wish to utilise Martial.

His time in Sevilla should see him used as a first choice centre-forward which is his favoured position. That will give Martial the opportunity to ply his trade in a less pressing environment and hopefully get his confidence back. At current, the likelihood of the 26-year-old returning to United to become the club’s first-choice striker is unlikely. But in football never say never.

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