Anthony Martial's agent has expressed his client's desire to leave the club as soon as possible to find regular game-time. His representative, Phillippe Lamboley, said to Sky Sports News, "Anthony wishes to leave the club in January.
"He just needs to play. He doesn't want to stay in January and I will speak to the club soon."
Ralf Rangnick was reluctant to address the agents' comments and be drawn into speculation, stating he would talk to the player about the situation if he wanted to leave.
But since the announcement by his agent that Martial wants to leave Old Trafford, it is hardly like the phone has been ringing nonstop. Jonathan Shrager has shut down rumours that Atletico Madrid are interested in a move for the player. According to Calciomercato, Juventus are only considering a loan for the forward as a Plan B to Fiorentina's Dusan Vlahovic.
This means that United and Rangnick may have to contend with the reality that Martial may be forced to remain at the club until at least the summer.
This may be due to the striker's poor form, but maybe on a grander scale, it could be due to the player's lack of identity. Is he a striker or a winger?
Martial's best performances have come when he has played off the left-hand side, but the player himself seems to believe he is a number nine, which was clear from when he changed his social handle to include the number.
He has also seen success in the central role, but this has been in tandem with Marcus Rashford, acting as a two striker combo, despite their positions on a teamsheet.
But this issue extends to Martial's playstyle as well. Sometimes he likes to receive the ball to feet and dribble with it. Other times he prefers to try and attempt to do one-twos and run behind. There are even other occasions where he tries to act as a target man who holds the ball up.
And as of late, he has done none of those things well, so how do you sell that prospect to any potential buyers.
With several top strikers breaking through across Europe, including the pre-mentioned Vlahovic and Karim Adeyemi, Johnathan David, Alexander Isak and several other players, it will be hard to convince any top sides to buy Martial permanently and take on all of his wages.
In my opinion, the best-case scenario for United is a team that will give Martial regular game time, take the player on loan, and he can recapture some form so United can try and sell the player in the summer.
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