Manchester United recently released their retained list and outside of the usual youngsters churn that happens at every club, a couple of big names were on it, albeit expectedly.

One of those, Anthony Martial, signifies somewhat of an end of an era with his departure.

The Frenchman has thrilled and frustrated fans in equal measure during his almost nine-year stay at the club.

His debut left the fans giddy but those heights have rarely been reached consistently and the reality is, he leaves Old Trafford with a whimper.

 

His last appearance for the club was all the way back on December 8th against Bournemouth, when he was booed off.

The focus for both parties, the club and the player, now turn to the future and as a free transfer, Martial is sure to garner interest.

Despite erratic form and a questionable injury record, a player of his talent should still have suitors but it is likely that he will have to take a step down in the football pyramid to make a move happen.

That’s exactly what is transpiring, if recent reports are to be believed.

ESPN reports that Turkish giants Galatasaray want Martial to join them but he needs to make a sacrifice to make it happen.

The report states that Martial will have to lower his wage demands to fit under their wage structure or the move is unlikely.

 

Martial was one of the highest-paid players at Old Trafford, another legacy of the Ed Woodward regime where players were rewarded handsomely without showing consistent form.

It is a problem that nearly every player who United have released has faced, with a prime example being David de Gea, who has now spent one whole season without a club.

Martial earned north of £250k/week at Old Trafford, a figure that is almost certainly not going to be matched by any European team who would also be interested in him.

 

If he is to avoid a De Gea-like situation, even more difficult since he is an outfield player where match fitness is paramount, he would do well to heed the market and adjust his expectations accordingly.