Former Manchester United striker Anthony Martial was reportedly prevented from departing the club by co-owner Joel Glazer. Martial, who left Old Trafford in 2024, is understood to have been released by his most recent side, Monterrey, leaving him as a free agent.
The forward’s current situation is a world away from the excitement that surrounded his arrival at United. Such was Martial’s early potential that Glazer held the Frenchman in the highest regard and vetoed the striker’s departure between 2017 and 2020.
Sources claimed that Martial swiftly became ‘Joel’s favourite player. ‘ The businessman was also reportedly convinced that the forward was United’s answer to Brazilian legend Pele.
United brought Martial to Old Trafford from Monaco for £36million in 2015. He netted 17 goals under Louis van Gaal, contributing to the club’s FA Cup triumph.
He proved an integral part of United’s frontline in his early years, reaching double figures for goals in four of his opening five seasons.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Yet that wasn’t considered sufficient for former boss Jose Mourinho, who reportedly attempted to offload the player before he himself was shown the door in December 2018. It was during this period that Glazer was believed to have wielded his influence to prevent the sale.
Shortly after, in January 2019, United confirmed that Martial had put pen to paper on a new contract keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2024, with the option for a further year. Glazer was reportedly involved once more in 2020 to ensure Martial remained at the club during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure as manager.
View 3 ImagesJoel Glazer was said to be a big fan of Martial(Image: Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
It now appears that Glazer’s confidence in the Frenchman has ultimately proved misplaced. Martial departed United for Sevilla on a temporary basis in 2022 following a disappointing final chapter at the club, making just 12 appearances for the La Liga outfit before returning to Manchester.
He permanently severed ties with Old Trafford in September 2024, having netted 90 goals in 317 appearances, to join Greek side AEK Athens. He spent just one season at AEK before moving to Liga MX outfit Monterrey.
Reports suggest the Mexican club have agreed to terminate the 30-year-old’s contract ahead of schedule, having originally been tied down until 2027, with the option of a further year.
View 3 ImagesAnthony Martial has been let go by Monterrey(Image: Azael Rodriguez, Getty Images)
The former French international managed one goal and three assists across 20 appearances for the club. His spell at Monterrey was blighted by a dislocated shoulder, however, sustained back in February.
He was subsequently reportedly excluded from training after reacting furiously to being left on the bench during Monterrey’s 3-2 defeat to Chivas de Guadalajara. Martial was then axed from the Monterrey squad for their final five matches of the season. He has now been released and is seeking a new club.
Article continues below
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Get Man United’s new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£85FanaticsBuy Now on Fanatics
Manchester United have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27 season, inspired by the club’s heritage and featuring a classic polo collar with iconic adidas details.