Erik ten Hag could be set for a summer head-to-head with the current owners of Manchester United over the future of Anthony Martial.
There have been widespread reports that Ten Hag has run out of patience with the underachieving forward and wants to move him on at the end of the season.
However, co-owner Joel Glazer is reportedly a big fan of the French forward and will refuse to sanction his exit from Old Trafford (h/t the Mirror).
Glazer has previous form where Martial is concerned, having blocked Jose Mourinho’s attempts to sell him to Barcelona when he was manager.
Ten Hag must win the Martial transfer battle
Putting aside the fact that the Glazers should not still be owners this summer, Ten Hag cannot afford to lose this particular battle if they remain in situ.
For starters, a man who knows the square root of zero about coaching a football team should have no say in United’s transfer business.
On his day, Martial is a decent enough forward. He has netted 87 goals in 296 appearances for the club – not bad, but not great.
Injury issues have blighted his time with United, making him a risky proposition to keep around if they have genuine hopes of winning silverware.
Ten Hag sees Martial playing as a centre-forward – a factor that makes it even more sensible to move him on this summer.
The club desperately need to sign an elite striker – however you flower it up, that description does not apply to Martial.
If United acquire the right player during the upcoming transfer window, Martial would spend most of next season on the bench – assuming he stays fit.
He is unlikely to be happy with that scenario and would be much better served heading elsewhere. The calmer waters of Ligue 1 are ideal.
As former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has found this season, the top flight in France is the perfect place for strikers just short of elite quality to fill their boots.
