Manchester United: Anthony Martial confirms 'emotional' departure from club – BBC
Anthony Martial was one year from being entitled to a Manchester United testimonial
Forward Anthony Martial has confirmed he is leaving Manchester United after nine seasons.
The Frenchman struggled to live up to expectations after United made him the most expensive teenager in the world when they signed him for £36m from Monaco in 2015.
The 28-year-old scored 90 goals in 317 appearances for United, but his last game for the club was a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on 9 December.
Martial, whose contract expires this summer, had groin surgery in January and returned to training but did not make another appearance in the first-team squad.
"It's with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye," he wrote on social media.
"After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.
"Since I arrived in 2015, I have had the immense honour of wearing this shirt and playing in front of you, the best supporters in the world. Manchester United will always be in my heart."
Martial, whose last cap for France was in 2021, won the Carabao Cup, the FA Cup and the Europa League with United – and had a loan spell with Sevilla in 2022.
Shaw has been at United for 10 years
Several Manchester United players wished Martial well in the replies to his Instagram post, including fellow forward Marcus Rashford, who said: "So many memories together. Stay blessed brother."
Meanwhile, Rashford wrote on X on Monday evening that he plans to take a break from social media.
The 26-year-old was left out of England's provisional squad for Euro 2024 after a disappointing campaign during which he only scored eight goals.
"It's time to come off socials for a few weeks," he wrote.
"I plan to rest and reset mentally after a challenging season individually and collectively. Thanks to the fans that stood by me through a difficult period.
"To the ones that didn’t, just remember at United, we always stick together."
England defender Luke Shaw was also active on social media on Monday as he responded to critics "questioning his loyalty" after an injury-hit season that saw him play just 15 games for United.
Shaw, 28, has not played since February because of a muscle injury but has been selected in England's provisional Euro 2024 squad, although manager Gareth Southgate has said he is a "long shot".
Writing on Instagram,, external the left-back said: "There’s nothing I want to do more than play and win with United.
"I don’t normally react to things I see on social media but there’s a lot of people questioning my loyalty to this club and asking how I am fit for England but not United.
"The reality is I am not 100% fit for either right now but I am doing everything I can and constantly working to be [fit]. I have been at this club for 10 years through highs and lows and for anyone to question my loyalty is obviously frustrating.
"My biggest focus right now is being fit and then whatever happens this summer I will be ready."
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