Sevilla’s loan move for Man Utd forward Anthony Martial has been labelled a ‘failure’, and all eyes will now be on what Erik ten Hag does with the Frenchman.
Martial, 26, joined Sevilla on loan in January. Martial had fallen down the pecking order under Ralf Rangnick and the move was seen as a win-win for both Sevilla and Manchester United.
Indeed, Sevilla’s attacking options would be boosted as they strived to reel in Real Madrid atop LaLiga.
From United’s end, a loan fee was received and it was hoped Martial would be able to rediscover his best form as Jesse Lingard had away at West Ham last year.
Indicating United’s hopes Martial would return a refreshed player, they refused to include an option to buy in the deal. That was also to ensure their next permanent manager had the final say on Martial’s future.
However, the Frenchman’s time in Seville has largely been a disappointment.
Martial has bagged just one goal and one assist across all competitions since joining. What’s more, he is now injured for the second time in his short spell in Spain.
Speaking after Sevilla’s costly defeat to Real Madrid at the weekend, manager Monchi surprisingly left the door ajar for a Martial reunion next year.
“Unfortunately it is difficult to analyse Martial’s performance when he has been injured and now he has been injured again,” said Monchi (via Marca).
“I do not close the door to his continuity. Although there are many things to see and talk to the player at the end of the season ”
Martial conundrum awaits Ten Hag
However, per Marca, the chances of Sevilla signing Martial a second time are virtually nil.
Firstly, the newspaper brand the January move a ‘failure’. His lowly return in front of goal has not justified the £5m loan fee Sevilla reportedly forked out.
Additionally, Sevilla are poised to reshape their squad this summer. It’s reported some of their top earners are set to be moved on. Martial reportedly pockets over double what Sevilla’s highest earner does, thus making a permanent move impractical anyway.
As such, Martial is certain to be returned to Old Trafford this summer with incoming manager Erik ten Hag due to decide his fate.
Martial – like so many United signings – has shown glimpses of his talents since arriving in Manchester. However, no manager has been able to harness his best on a consistent basis.
Whether Ten Hag can break that streak or whether he decides to cut ties altogether, only time will tell. Marca add any permanent exit is likely to be within the Premier League given the player’s high salary.
