Glazer-backed Martial left as free agent after Monterrey cut him loose a year early

Anthony Martial is a free agent after Monterrey terminated his contract a year early, the latest chapter in a career that never matched the extraordinary faith Joel Glazer placed in him during his Manchester United years.

The 30-year-old former France international had been contracted with the Liga MX club until 2027, with an option for a further year, but reports indicate Monterrey agreed to part ways with Martial ahead of schedule. He managed one goal and three assists across 20 appearances for the Mexican side before a dislocated shoulder in February disrupted his season. His departure was accelerated after he reportedly reacted angrily to being an unused substitute during Monterrey’s 3-2 defeat to Chivas de Guadalajara, and was subsequently left out of the squad entirely.

The situation is a stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded Martial when United signed him from Monaco for £36 million in 2015. He scored 17 goals under Louis van Gaal, contributed to the club’s FA Cup triumph, and reached double figures for goals in four of his first five seasons at Old Trafford.

According to the Evening Standard, Glazer became so enamoured with the Frenchman that sources described Martial as “Joel’s favourite player,” with the co-owner reportedly comparing him to Brazilian icon Pelé. That admiration is said to have led Glazer to intervene on at least two occasions to block Martial’s sale — first when José Mourinho sought to move him on before his own dismissal in December 2018, and again in 2020 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

In January 2019, United announced Martial had signed a new deal keeping him at the club until June 2024, with an option for an additional year. Despite Glazer’s backing, Martial’s form faded in his final years at Old Trafford. A loan spell at Sevilla in 2022 yielded just 12 appearances before he returned to Manchester.

Martial eventually left United permanently in September 2024, having scored 90 goals in 317 appearances, joining Greek side AEK Athens. He spent a single season there before moving to Monterrey — a stint that has now also ended prematurely.