Anthony Martial becomes free agent as ex-Manchester United star rips up deal with club after 20 games

Anthony Martial has reportedly reached an agreement to leave Monterrey one year early.

The former Manchester United forward joined the Mexican side last September on a two-year deal through to 2027, with the option of an extra 12 months.

AFP

However, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports both parties have agreed to end the partnership ahead of schedule.

Martial departs Monterrey having played just 20 games for the club, where he scored just once and provided three assists.

His time with Monterrey was disrupted by a dislocated shoulder, which he sustained in February during a clash against Club Leon.

Martial had to be taken off in a stretcher, such was his discomfort.

The 30-year-old’s final appearance came on March 18 in the second leg of Monterrey’s CONCACAF Champions Cup round of 16 clash against Cruz Azul, which they ultimately lost 4-3 on aggregate.

On the road again

Martial’s exit from Monterrey means he is now on the hunt for his third club since leaving United in 2024.

Prior to joining the Mexican side, where he played alongside Sergio Ramos, Martial was on the books at AEK Athens.

The forward moved to the Greek outfit on a three-year deal but departed after just one season having scored nine goals in 23 appearances across all competitions.

Martial’s exit from Monterrey is a far cry from where he was less than a decade ago.

Martial’s alarming decline over the years

It was in 2015 when United forked out £36million to sign Martial from Monaco, a figure that constituted the highest fee paid for a teenager.

Getty

He made an instant impression when he scored on debut during a 3-1 win over Liverpool, giving Red Devils supporters hope they had a serious star on their hands.

However, aside from an impressive 2019/20 campaign where he netted 23 times across all competitions, Martial struggled to live up to the hype.

The 30-cap France international ultimately departed United upon the expiry of his contract in May 2024 having made over 300 appearances for the club.

“After nine incredible years at the club, the time has come for me to turn a new page in my career,” Martial said when confirming he would leave Old Trafford for good.

“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.”