Anthony Martial’s days at Manchester United look numbered.
Martial has not returned to United’s preseason training squad after travelling to Paris to be present for the birth of his son last week. The French forward has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, with manager Jose Mourinho reportedly prepared to offload Martial this summer.
When asked whether Martial would return to training any time soon, Mourinho passed the question on to the club’s press officer, Karen Shotbolt, during a press conference on Tuesday night.
“Anthony Martial? It’s better for Karen to answer if she wants to answer,” Mourinho said before Shotbolt responded by telling journalists that: “We’re here to talk about the game.”
Another day…
At what stage does it become bullying?https://t.co/7CWx7s4VEt #MUFC
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) August 1, 2018
The United manager then admitted that he didn’t know if the 22-year-old would return and it’s since been reported that the club are set to fine Martial two weeks’ wages for failing to report for training since leaving midway through the Red Devils’ pre-season tour of the United States.
The Mirror claim that Martial will be fined £180,000 (€202,302) amid suggestions that he will be shown the exit door this summer.
In June, the Frenchman’s agent, Philippe Lamboley, announced that his client had already made his mind up to part ways with United.
“After thinking about all the possibilities and settings, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United,” Lamboley told RMC Sport.
“Anthony is sad about his situation at Manchester. He loves the club and the fans, he showed it for three years. Without the great support from the fans, he would have already asked to leave the club.”
It’s been reported that Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are interested in Martial, while Mourinho sees Croatia star Ivan Perisic as the ideal replacement.
The transfer window will close next Thursday, ahead of the beginning of the Premier League season, so United have their work cut out for them if they are to offload Martial and bring in a new wide player.
