Martial now has to show he is worth keeping at Old Trafford
ANTHONY Martial has firmly nailed his colours to the United mast - and now it is down to the French striker to get his own flag flying high again.
The 21-year-old used social media to deny reports he had demanded a move from United and that the club were set to grant his request. Arsenal were said to be monitoring the fall-out.
However, Martial went on Twitter to smash the speculation, saying simply: “The rumours are false.”
It was an emphatic and welcome four-word retort.
In other words, while his second season at Old Trafford was more of a minefield under Jose Mourinho than his slick opening campaign under Louis van Gaal, he wasn’t prepared to throw in the towel.
After his £35m transfer deadline-day signing two years ago, he scored 17 goals and was the bright spark of a dull and difficult season.
But after Van Gaal’s sacking, Martial’s form declined under Mourinho, who believed the player had his head in the clouds.
He started 29 times, came on as a sub in 13 games but his goal return slid to just eight last season.
His tweet is not the first time Martial has gone public with his love for United.
Before the Reds played St Etienne in France in the Europa League, he said: “I love Manchester. I love the club. I love the fans. I enjoy them backing me. I try to be as good as possible to make them happy. I want to stay as long as possible in this club.”
Mourinho may have been quite brutally honest at times with some of his open criticism of players, but his takes on Martial have been more measured.
In April, when asked about Martial’s progress, the United boss used the learning curve of Marcus Rashford as the example the Frenchman needed to study.
“Marcus Rashford even without scoring goals was always a player I trust. He was always coming in my direction, doing what I want, and what I want as a Manchester United player,” said Mourinho.
“Do I think Anthony is a player with great potential? Yes. Do I think he can play for me? Yes.”
Martial couldn’t complain about the chances he was given - 29 starts could hardly be dismissed as limited opportunities.
He was even given time in some of United’s biggest games, playing against Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and City. But he never did enough to demand more recognition.
“I don’t think he lost his focus. I think he just didn’t catch with both hands a big opportunity he had,” said Mourinho in the wake of his performance against Liverpool.
The Reds manager then went on to say later: “I try to give him chances. In fact, I gave him good chances because I played him against Tottenham and Arsenal, in some big matches.
“It’s taking a little bit of time but he’s a great kid. He wants to improve.
“He’s a good professional so I have no fears — I’m sure he will be there.”
Whoever arrives up front this summer, Mourinho and United are going to need the same kind of breath of fresh air Martial provided in 2016.
He wants to stay. Now he has to show he is worth keeping.