Two reasons Why Man United May Reverse Transfer Decision on ten Hag’s Favourite

April 12, 2023Last Updated: April 12, 2023

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Manchester United is performing a transfer for two reasons. U-turn on Erik ten Hag favourite Anthony Martial returned for Man United against Everton – and got his name on the scoresheet Manchester United appear to have planned for life after Anthony Martial, but the Erik ten Hag favourite may get one final chance at redemption – 12 months after his last.

It seemed unthinkable a year ago that the Frenchman would stay at Old Trafford past the summer, but that is exactly what happened, and Ten Hag effectively jeopardized his working relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo to highlight Martial as his main man.

With four goals and two assists from his early-season appearances, that decision was vindicated, and Ronaldo – for reasons best left unmentioned – called it quits on his second coming. Ten Hag wanted Martial to be front and center as he shaped United in his own image.

On-field performances were one thing, but Martial was unable to maintain his form and has only played 17 games this season due to five separate injury setbacks. Ten Hag was right to be impatient as he swooped for Wout Weghorst in January.

England captain Harry Kane is now on United’s radar to replace the stopgap signing, and the club is also open to selling Martial to generate funds. Ten Hag and those key figures upstairs will need every penny they can get if they are to do the unthinkable and persuade Daniel Levy to cash in.

Allowing Martial to leave, however, would be a mistake on two counts.

United have a striker who can’t stop scoring and one who can’t score at this level in current teammates Marcus Rashford and Weghorst, who will return to Burnley next season. Martial falls into the first category, but while there are legitimate concerns about his dependability, he must step up with Rashford suffering an injury that could have an impact on his future.

United’s future plans are crystal clear. However, as the transition from Frenkie de Jong to Casemiro demonstrated, they must be flexible when the market reopens; there are too many moving parts for them not to be.

Allowing Martial to leave makes sense if United get Kane and/or Victor Osimhen, as well as a backup option. However, the 27-year-old would be an excellent replacement for Kane.

Because of his limited playing time this season, he can no longer command first-choice status, but he also can’t if he moves elsewhere. Ten Hag admires Martial, and the admiration is mutual, so much so that United can ask one last favor of a player who has spent eight years developing at the club.

With a one-year contract option that expires next season, Martial should be just as valuable for United to sell next summer as he is now. Ten Hag may miss out on Kane and Osimhen in his search for a prolific new striker as a backup in the first instance.

More importantly, when it comes to pursuing alternative signings, Ten Hag can rely on Martial to ensure a smoother transition. Last summer, Martial had Ten Hag to thank for extending his United career. After achieving his comeback goal, it is now time for him to repay that favor in the short and medium term.