Man Utd fans say ‘what’s the point of releasing Martial?’ as shock transfer move for England striker is ‘considered’
MANCHESTER UNITED fans have bemoaned the clubs decision to allow Anthony Martial to leave after reports revealed a new striker they were considering.
Martial, 28, had been at Old Trafford since 2015, where he scored 90 goals and added 47 assists in 317 appearances in all competitions before being released this summer.
GettyAnthony Martial was released by Man Utd this summer[/caption]
GettyBut transfer links to Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin has left fans baffled[/caption]
Following an electric start to life in England, the Frenchman’s final years were plagued by injury as he missed 45 games over the last three seasons through various setbacks.
The ex-Monaco star remains without a club and has been spending time with family since becoming a free agent.
However, Man Utd fans have questioned the move after seeing the club linked with a transfer for Everton talisman Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Sky Sports report the English forward is one of a number of forwards Man Utd have discussed this window following the signing of Joshua Zirkzee.
With one year left on his contract, transfer chiefs believe he could be used to strengthen Erik ten Hag‘s attacking options.
But the 27-year-old has his own less-than ideal injury history, with 70 games missed through injury in the last three seasons – though he bounced back from major knocks two seasons ago to play 32 Premier League games last season.
Supporters online were not fans of the move, with one saying: “Manchester United let Anthony Martial leave only to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin? Why?”
A second said: “What’s the point of releasing Injury prone Martial to another injury prone Calvert-Lewin? Makes no sense.”
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A third added: “United do not need a striker certainly not a target man.”
Another said: “We don’t need another injury prone player thanks.”
Amid the complaints, the report caveats the club would only make a move for the Toffees target man if they make further sales, with the position not a priority.
Calvert-Lewin was the subject of transfer interest from Newcastle earlier in the window, but the £40m price tag proved too much.
Everton have already played hard ball with Man Utd over a £70m asking price for Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
That deal looks dead in the water for now as Man Utd are expected to announce the arrivals of Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui following medicals on Monday.
Man Utd’s priority for the rest of the window is understood to be a new defensive midfielder.
The Red Devils lost on penalties in the Community Shield to Manchester City after Jonny Evans blazed over the bar in the shootout.
They kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham at 8pm this Friday.
Meanwhile, Everton host Brighton at 3pm on Saturday.
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