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Anthony Martial 'will push for Manchester United exit if back-up role continues'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 11 October 2023

Martial 'will push for Man United exit if back-up role continues'

Antony Martial will push for a Manchester United exit next year unless he is able to secure a regular starting role once again, according to a report.

Anthony Martial will reportedly push to leave Manchester United next year unless he is able to secure a regular starting role for the club once again.

The 27-year-old has made nine appearances for the Red Devils during the 2023-24 campaign, but an underwhelming start has seen him register just one goal and one assist.

Martial is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League this term, drawing a blank in each of his six outings, although only two of those appearances have come from the first whistle.

The Frenchman is firmly behind Rasmus Hojlund when it comes to the starting role at centre-forward, with the latter scoring three times since his arrival from Atalanta BC over the summer.

There was a host of speculation surrounding Martial's future during the recent market, but the deadline passed with the forward still at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's Anthony Martial celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates on September 26, 2023 © Reuters

Martial's only goal of the season came against Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup at the end of September, while he has only featured as a late substitute in Man United's two Champions League games this term.

The striker only has a contract at Old Trafford until next summer, although there is an option to extend the deal to a further 12 months to take him to June 2025.

According to Football Insider, Martial is not content with his back-up role at Man United, with the Frenchman desperate to be a regular starter at this stage of his career.

The report claims that the attacker will push for an exit unless he is able to break back into the XI on a regular basis, which is unlikely unless he can find his best form once again.

Anthony Martial celebrates scoring for Manchester United on October 6, 2022 © Reuters

Martial made the move to Man United from Monaco in the summer of 2015, and he has represented the club on 307 occasions, scoring 89 goals and registering 54 assists in the process.

Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag has often spoken of Martial's importance, but the forward has found it difficult to stay fit for long periods.

Martial primarily operated as a left-sided attacker during the early stages of his career, but he has largely been used through the middle in recent seasons.

The former Monaco youngster featured for the final 19 minutes of Man United's 2-1 win over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, with Scott McTominay scoring twice late on to secure a huge three points for the 20-time English champions.

The Red Devils will be aiming to make it back-to-back victories in the league when they head to Sheffield United after the international break.