Transfer Talk: Martial's time at Man Utd drawing to a close

Anthony Martial's time at Manchester United looks all but over after an indifferent start to the 2023-24 season.

The 28-year-old forward has not featured since the Red Devils' 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on December 9.

After more than eight up and down years at Old Trafford, all that remains to be seen is whether Martial leaves this month or departs in the summer.

We consider what lies in store for the Frenchman ahead of United's Premier League clash with Tottenham.

Contract complexities

The Red Devils are understandably keen to find a suitor for Martial this month, with just six months remaining on his contract.

Erik ten Hag revealed recently that the club are "talking" with the player's representatives about his current deal.

An extension seems highly unlikely given his lack of action and United's desire to free up space in their squad to bring in another forward.

The major sticking point for a potential January exit is Martial's wage demands — his current salary is reportedly around £250,000 per week.

Turkish side Fenerbahce and Ligue 1 outfit Marseille are believed to be interested but both sides would surely not be able match that figure.

As such, getting a deal over the line this month will prove difficult — meaning Martial is in a strong position should he intend to see out the rest of his contract and open up more options in the summer.

Down and out

A goal in last November's 3-0 win at Everton suggested there may be hope of a resurgence for Martial at United.

But it has not materialised, with injury and illness repeatedly curtailing any progress made in recent seasons.

When he has played in the Premier League this term, the 28-year-old has only averaged 1.22 shots per 90 minutes and games have often passed him by.

A tepid performance in the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth — during which he was booed after being substituted on 55 minutes — could have been the final straw.

However, Ten Hag defended the former Monaco forward after that match.

The United boss said: "Two weeks ago against Everton he [Martial] played a very good game.

"So he has absolutely the competencies and the abilities to play so I don't think it's fair, after a performance like this, to go to one player now.

"As a group we failed, altogether."

New chapter

Ten Hag may have defended Martial publicly but it is clear the France international's time at United is drawing to a natural conclusion.

There have been several false dawns and glimmers of hope for a player who arrived at Old Trafford in 2015 as one of Europe's most exciting young attackers.

Since his best season — a return of 23 goals across all competitions in 2019-20 — Martial has been unable to reach the levels of consistency required in Manchester.

United, now entering a new era under the guidance of Jim Ratcliffe, must look to move on from their underperforming old guard.

As Ten Hag's side prepare to host Spurs, work will continue to find a resolution to Martial's situation.