Anthony Martial has reportedly become a target for Juventus despite his pre-season form suggesting he has a future at Manchester United.
After losing momentum at Old Trafford, Martial ended last season on loan at Sevilla. However, he struggled for form and fitness over in Spain as well. As such, he returned to his parent club ahead of the 2022-23 season.
There have been plenty of reports since about where Manchester United may send Martial instead. But he has been working hard in pre-season and has impressed under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Indeed, Martial scored in United’s first three pre-season friendlies under Ten Hag, all of which they won. It has led to claims that they will now block his exit from the club.
However, it has not stopped suitors elsewhere considering Martial as a potential target. For example, Gianluca Di Marzio’s staff have written for Corriere Della Sera that Juventus are weighing up a move for the Frenchman.
The Serie A side want to sign an attacker to support main man Dusan Vlahovic this summer. They recently had Alvaro Morata on loan and would like him back from Atletico Madrid. But if they cannot conclude a deal for the Spaniard, Martial would represent a plan B.
He is seen as someone with similar characteristics to what they require. What’s more, he is younger than Morata, so may be preferable anyway.
That opinion is not necessarily shared by Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri, though. He would rather they get Morata back since he would be able to make an instant impact. Martial, on the other hand, might take time to adapt to Serie A.
Anthony Martial could make most of new Man Utd dawn instead
It may all end up being hypothetical anyway if he stays at Man Utd. Martial could be ready for a fresh start in familiar surroundings, seemingly invigorated by the changes Ten Hag is overseeing.
With 79 goals from 269 games for the club behind him, it will be interesting to see what Martial’s eighth season in Manchester brings.
From one to the next, he seems to have struggled for consistency. But if 2021-22 was a disappointing campaign for the former Monaco man, perhaps his history indicates 2022-23 could go better.
Therefore, it may make sense for United to resist any offers from clubs like Juventus for Martial’s services. The 26-year-old is still under contract for another two seasons, so this could be a key one in determining his long-term future – especially while doubts linger about Cristiano Ronaldo.
Able to play as a centre-forward or winger – versatility that attracted Ronaldo’s former employers Juventus – Martial could yet have a part to play at Old Trafford, rather than having to find a new club.
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