“I can’t remember the last time he was a proper footballer” - Former Arsenal and Chelsea star aims dig at ex-Manchester United forward Martial

Ex-Manchester United striker Anthony Martial was the subject of a sly dig from former Premier League star Emmanuel Petit. The Frenchman is without a club at present, having been released from Old Trafford at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Once seen as the next big thing in football, the 28-year-old has yet to find a new club this summer, indicating a steep decline in his career. The Frenchman received no sympathy from former Arsenal and Chelsea man Petit, who lashed out at him.

Emmanuel Petit spoke on The Lineup, where he pointed out that he does not remember the last time the French striker performed at a consistent level. He factored in the injuries Martial suffered but stated that he could not understand why no offers have been made for him. Petit said:

"I can't remember the last time he was a proper footballer on the pitch, producing good performances. He's been riddled with so many injuries in the last few years. But when you look at the stability at Manchester United, I'm not surprised a lot of players suffer from that. Managers and fans as well. He's not the only one.

"But he's getting lost in transition actually. I cannot understand why this guy, even if he wasn't that good for the last few years, when he arrives at the end of his contract, he has no proposition. For me, this is a mystery."

Anthony Martial was the world's most expensive teenager when he moved from AS Monaco to Manchester United for a reported £36 million in 2015. The forward was at Old Trafford for nine years but struggled to reach the heights expected of him. His deal with the Red Devils included a Ballon d'Or clause, but he never came close to winning the prestigious award.

Martial was on the radar of Brazilian outfit Flamengo this summer as they sought a replacement for the injured Pedro. The move did not eventually happen, as the Brazilian club found his salary demands to be beyond their means.

Revisiting Anthony Martial's Manchester United career

Anthony Martial moved from France to England and was tipped to be the next Thierry Henry after completing his big-money transfer. He scored on his debut against Liverpool after coming off the bench, announcing himself to English football.

Martial saw his time at Old Trafford plagued by injuries as he struggled with various problems which led him to miss 94 games. He also spent time on loan at Sevilla in the second half of the 2021-22 season, failing to earn a permanent move to Spain.

Anthony Martial scored 90 goals and provided 47 assists in 317 games as a Manchester United player, winning four major trophies. He scored just two goals in 19 appearances in his final season at Old Trafford before drawing the curtains on his time at the club.