Man Utd outcast Eric Bailly laid bare Anthony Martial’s plight in message to Sevilla

Rooney says he would love to manage Man Utd or Everton

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has claimed Anthony Martial wanted to feel important when he left Old Trafford. Martial was sent on loan to La Liga giants Sevilla until the end of the season, having fallen out of favour at United.

The former Monaco ace found himself struggling for minutes, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick both preferred Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Cristiano Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, and Bruno Fernandes.

Martial’s campaign began with a damning indictment from Solskjaer, as the Norwegian deployed central midfielder Paul Pogba as a left-winger at the start of the season.

He only started four matches in all competitions for the Reds this season and only made eight Premier League appearances all season.

And Sevilla ace Joan Jordan, who now shares a dressing room with the Frenchman, stated Bailly told him that Martial “needed affection”.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

“Anthony, I spoke with my friend and brother Eric Bailly, before he arrived,” Jordan said in an interview with Marca.

“He told me well, that he needed affection and to feel important.

“Good. Very happy for the two signings, which give us a leap in quality and hopefully at the end of the year these two pieces plus the ones we add, like Lamela or Suso and almost all of us are here, and we can push as a team.”

Martial’s departure from United could not have been more uncomfortable, as he was forced to deny suggestions that he refused to sit on the bench.

DON’T MISS

Arnold ready to bin off second Glazer policy at Man Utd

Kylian Mbappe could give Tottenham glorious transfer chance

Barcelona star De Jong ends Klopp transfer message

United boss Ralf Rangnick claimed Martial was not included in the Reds’ squad to race Aston Villa as he did not want to sit on the bench.

“He would have been in the squad normally but he didn’t want to and that’s the reason why he was not travelling with us yesterday,” Rangnick said in an extraordinary pre-match interview.

Martial swiftly and staunchly denied Rangnick’s testimony stating: “I will never refuse to play a match for Man United. I’ve been here for seven years and I never disrespected, and will never disrespect, the club and the fans.”

Shortly after departing Old Trafford in the final days of the January transfer window, Martial struggled to make a meaningful impact in his first match for Julen Lopetegui’s side.

However, he followed up his anonymous appearance in Sevilla’s 0-0 draw with Osasuna, with a starring role which saw him contribute an assist in the Spanish giant’s 2-0 home victory over Elche.

And Lopetegui believes the Frenchman will play a huge role in Sevilla’s season.

“On Martial, I think that he can adapt to different roles,” Lopetegui said.

“He can play through the middle, on the left-wing or behind the striker.

“Getting him in the right position is important but what I think is more important is his performance and this is something he can give in every position.”

Source: Read Full Article