When Anthony Martial became the surprise signing for Manchester United in the summer of 2015, few outside of France had heard of him. He became the most expensive teenager in football history—stepping into the limelight as the priciest teenager after being signed for £36 million, potentially rising to £58 million with bonuses. Fast forward over ten years, and the 30-year-old Martial risks starting a new season without a club, with his career hanging by a thread.
Former France international Willy Sagnol noted back in 2015 that Martial's style of play bore resemblance to Thierry Henry's, particularly his ability to take on defenders and explosive pace. Despite Monaco not intending to sell, Manchester United vastly improved their initial offer, prompting a transfer that left many questioning the wisdom of the hefty price tag. Even Louis van Gaal branded the fee 'absurd', attempting to quell the pressure by implying that Martial was a signing for the 'next Manchester United manager.'
Coming through the ranks at the same club as legends Thierry Henry and Patrice Evra, Martial made his name at Lyon before a move to Monaco. His debut with United was one to remember; coming off the bench against Liverpool, the 19-year-old scored a fantastic solo goal. He ended his first season with a commendable 17 goals, including a decisive goal in the FA Cup semi-final. However, everything changed with Jose Mourinho's arrival in the summer of 2016 and the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Martial's number 9 shirt was taken from him without consent, which hit him hard.
Martial enjoyed a resurgence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign in the 2019/20 season, reclaiming his number nine and scoring 23 goals. However, maintaining that level proved elusive. A string of injuries, the loss of his explosive speed, and struggles with fitness saw him falter. A loan spell at Sevilla yielded little success, and his time under Erik ten Hag was similarly marred by constant injuries.
After leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2024, Martial signed with AEK, where he netted 7 goals in 16 matches. Last summer, he was recruited by Mexican side Monterrey, but a shoulder injury and conflicts with the club’s hierarchy limited him to just one goal in 17 appearances. His contract was mutually terminated, leaving the 30-year-old without a club as he now seeks his next opportunity.
