There is no doubt that Anthony Martial is growing increasingly frustrated at Manchester United. The Frenchman was Man Utd's top star and savior last season, having emerged as the top scorer with 17 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions.
Then came the bullish Zlatan Ibrahimovic who took the number 9 shirt from the former Monaco man, and dimmed his star at Old Trafford. Zlatan has now scored 19 goals in30 apps in all competitions for the red devils, a tally that eclipses Martial's performance this season.
And to make things even worse for the 22-year-old, he seems to be struggling for play time under new boss Jose Mourinho. He was left out of the squad to play Stoke City last weekend and then chose to take a trip to his home country. Upon his return, he was also left out of the club's team sheet to play Hull City in the second leg yet Ibra was preferred despite the fact that Man Utd had a two-goal advantage and could have easily rested the Swedish veteran.
Mourinho's explanation of Martial's recent absence
Mourinho on Martial form and selection policy #MUFC [Sky Sports] pic.twitter.com/dkKyUWksUd
— RedReveal (@RedReveal) January 26, 2017
Martial's recent woes have sparked fears that he could push for a move out of the club in the summer. Several top clubs in England are also said to be closely monitoring his situation under Mou's management. Chelsea fans are even publicly urging the club to sign the 'unhappy' star.
This issue has split Man Utd fans into two - one half insists that Martial should stay and fight for his place just like his teammate Henrikh Mkhitaryan did, while the other have their fingers pointed at Mourinho for causing the frustration. Here's are some of the reactions.
We all love Anthony Martial. What he needs to do now is listen, suck it up and prove to Mourinho he's got the talent to be a United great
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) January 26, 2017
Mourinho is wanting a reaction out of Martial but I don't think he's going to get one
— Paul Jackson (@OldTraffordWolf) January 26, 2017
Mourinho is doing to Martial what he did to Mkhitaryan earlier on. Trying to make Anthony work harder and give 100%. Man management
— ️ (@MartialTheMan) January 26, 2017
I love Martial but it's really annoying to see people put their favourite player ahead of the team. Believe in Mourinho.
— ㅤ (@TheUtdReview) January 26, 2017
BREAKING: French forward Anthony Martial is in contact with representatives from Chelsea over a potential transfer. #CFC #MUFC
— Raheem Meme (@RMemeNews) January 26, 2017
Martial situation is interesting I miss 2000s Chelsea we would of gone with a cheeky bid just to unsettle him. Rustle Jose a bit
— 3-4-3 (@TheConteWay_) January 26, 2017
The old Chelsea would've bid for Martial & unsettle him or utd even more
— ️ (@HazardEdition) January 25, 2017
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