Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has confirmed he will be leaving the club after nine years when his contract expires this summer.
The Frenchman arrived at the club from Monaco back in 2015 as the most expensive teenage signing in Premier League history and despite the transfer receiving plenty of criticism from the media, he enjoyed a prolific debut season.
Scoring an iconic goal from off the bench in the derby against Liverpool on his debut and going on to notch a total of 18 goals and nine assists in his first campaign with the club at just 19, he was as instant hit with fans. Now, the best part of a decade later, ‘Tony’ Martial is set to leave United on a free.
The now 28-year-old footballer might never have quite lived up to his full potential at Old Trafford, but he was hailed by many supporters as an untapped talent, especially during his best moments, and has now issued what he admitted was an “emotional” farewell along with a video on social media.
As he wrote in the caption of his goodbye post, he began by saying: “It’s with great emotion that I write to you today to say goodbye. After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career.
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“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! You have been an unwavering support, through the good times and the difficult. Your passion and loyalty have been a constant source of motivation for me.
“I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve done for me. Your songs, your encouragement and your love for the club are memories that will remain engraved in my heart forever.”
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He went on to thank his teammates, coaches, technical staff and all those he met around the club over the years, insisting he was “proud” to have shared so many experiences with all of them. United are yet to issue a formal goodbye to their long-standing striker.
The number nine (and one-time number 11) enjoyed his best-ever statistical season in 2019/20, when he netted 23 times – the same season that both he and Marcus Rashford surpassed the 20-goal mark for the first time. All told, he scored a total of 90 goals over the course of 317 appearances for the club.
Here’s just a handful of those he scored in the Premier League.
However, fluctuating form, injury problems and the arrival of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani in previous seasons saw Martial’s impact in the team continue to wane and he hasn’t worn a United shirt since their 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth back in December 2023.
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He signed off by insisting: “Manchester United will always be in my heart. This club has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you. I’m leaving to take on new challenges, I’ll always be a Red Devil and I’ll continue to follow the club’s results with passion.
“Thank you again for everything, and see you soon. With all my affection, Anthony Martial”.
Tony Martial may very well score again but no longer whilst wearing the red of Man United, and he likely won’t be the only one leaving this upcoming transfer window, as talk of a clearout by co-owners INEOS has ramped up and even manager Erik ten Hag‘s future still remains uncertain.
Addressing the supporters on social media, Forrester wrote: “Thank you to all involved at Bolton Wanderers FC for my time at the club.
“A special club with unbelievable people that work within. Also, a massive thank you to the fans for all of the support throughout.”
His sign-off has been met with plenty of love and well-wishers, as plenty have cited his numerous injury problems – including a ‘freak fall’ which required surgery – as having unfortunately hampered his progress with the Wanderers.
One fan commented, “When fit, he was definitely a first-team starter. But had such bad luck with injuries, he missed more than he played for us.
“Best of luck to Will; it’s probably the right decision for both parties. Such a shame.”
Forrester – originally from Alsager (a town located near Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe) – has become Leyton Orient FC’s first signing of the January transfer window.
Will Forrester has penned a two-and-a-half-year deal and becomes the O’s first January signing of 2026 🙌
While he joins the club on a two-year deal, his transfer fee remains undisclosed.
Having said that, his wages are expected to be towards the higher end of player salaries at Brisbane Road, with the third-tier side still sitting dangerously close to the drop zone in 20th place.
Touching on his arrival via an official club statement, Forrester said: “I’m very happy to have signed here. The mindset and the goals the club want to accomplish in the coming years makes this move very exciting, and I can’t wait to get started.
“Speaking to the gaffer, he has outlined his expectations of me, and I want to help push us forward. I know the challenges of reaching the play-offs the year before and want to help the lads get back on track as quickly as possible.”
You can see his first full interview as a member of The O’s down below.
Featured Images — Bolton Wanderers FC (screenshot via YouTube)/Leyton Orient FC (via X)
Sport
Oldham Athletic’s next game postponed amid red weather warnings
Danny Jones
Oldham Athletic FC’s next game has been postponed amid red weather warnings, with a frozen pitch having already set in.
We suspect they won’t be the only ones either…
Oldham Athletic were set to take on Notts County FC at home this weekend, with the upcoming fixture set for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday, 10 January, but the state of the Boundary Park stadium’s playing surface has already been declared unfit for use.
Informing the fans of the unfortunate decision, the rescheduled date and time for the match remain yet to be confirmed.
Saturday's home fixture against Notts County has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. #oafc
Addressing supporters online, OAFC wrote: “An inspection took place on Thursday afternoon with the pitch frozen following persistent freezing temperatures since our last home game on New Year’s Day and further adverse weather forecast.
“The inspection was called due to persistent freezing temperatures and in anticipation of further adverse weather between now and kick-off. Tickets will remain valid for the rearranged date, and refunds can be claimed after the new date is confirmed.”
As for Notts County, they have also updated their fans on social media.
They have assured that “tickets purchased for this fixture will [also] be valid for the rearranged date” and that “supporters who require a refund will be able to do so after the date for the rearranged fixture is announced.”
Postponement comes amid parts of Oldham, Greater Manchester and other areas across the country being hit with severe weather warnings, which have now been upgraded from an initial yellow rating.
2026’s first named storm, the weather event dubbed by Goretti by the French meteorological service, is set to bring further frosty conditions and blustery winds to us Brits.
The UK received its first snowfall of the year earlier this month, but this next pattern of cold air is set to see even more arrive, with the forecast potentially running into next week.
As for the Latics, the 15th-placed League Two team will have to wait until their ground thaws out to try and make up ground between them and the play-off spots.
Worth keeping an eye on the Met Office if you were planning a trip to the footy over the next few days.
Danny Jones -
28th May 2024 
