FABRIZIO ROMANO has explained the reasons behind Anthony Martial’s departure from Old Trafford this morning, bringing an end to the long-running dispute between Manchester United and the star player.

Martial’s contract at Man Utd expires at the end of the season and Romano says there is no chance that his contract will be renewed.

United would be open to selling him in January but there are no clubs currently willing to pay a transfer fee as well as his salary.

Nevertheless, a Bosman transfer at the end of the campaign is guaranteed if a move doesn’t happen this month.

“I think he is going to leave Manchester United. I don’t see any chance for Martial to stay at Manchester United beyond summer 2024,” Romano said.

“So, the idea is to part ways, in which case United will go into the market looking for a new striker.

“The expectation always, though, is that Martial will leave, and this is something that’s probably needed for both sides.”

Martial joined Manchester United in 2015 as the world’s most expensive teenager but despite some bright spells has never truly fulfilled his potential.

His last few years in particular have been a disaster at Old Trafford.

He has scored just 12 Premier League goals in the last three and a half seasons, while he has only two goals in all competitions in 2023-24 campaign.

In total he has scored 90 goals in 317 games for the club. This is his ninth season at Man Utd. He only turned 28 in December.

Martial has won four trophies at United, all of them considered rather minor titles. These are the 2016 FA Cup, 2017 League Cup, 2016 Community Shield and 2017 Europa League.