Three Manchester United players were recently seen reacting to a social media post by Anthony Martial, sparking a wave of support and nostalgia among fans. Martial had just announced his new club, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter in his footballing career. The post came shortly after his contract with Manchester United expired, drawing a close to his time at Old Trafford, where he had experienced a mixture of highs and lows during his near-decade-long stay.
Martial first joined Manchester United back in 2015 as a highly-touted teenager from AS Monaco. His transfer fee of £36 million, which at the time made him the most expensive teenager in football, reflected the immense promise United saw in him. Martial arrived with high expectations, and his debut season offered a glimpse of what he could deliver, with memorable moments like his stunning solo goal against Liverpool. However, despite flashes of brilliance, Martial’s United career was hampered by a series of persistent injuries that kept him from establishing himself as a consistent starter. His time at the club was often marked by moments of frustration, as he struggled to stay fit and secure a regular spot in the lineup, especially with the competition from other forwards.
After the 2023/24 season, Martial’s time at Manchester United officially came to an end as his contract expired, and both the player and the club opted to part ways. His departure was met with mixed emotions from fans who had witnessed his potential but also understood the struggles he faced with injuries. Over the course of his nine-year spell with the Red Devils, Martial made 317 appearances in all competitions, contributing 90 goals—a decent tally but one that left many wondering what might have been had injuries not disrupted his career so frequently.
Last week, news broke that Martial had signed a new deal with Greek side AEK Athens, reportedly securing a contract worth £2.5 million per year. This move to the Greek Super League represents a fresh opportunity for Martial to reinvigorate his career, away from the pressures of the Premier League. On Friday, Martial took to social media to officially confirm his move, posting a picture of himself donning AEK Athens’ iconic yellow and black colors. His Instagram caption simply read: “New Chapter. Let’s go @aekfc_official,” signaling his excitement for the next phase of his football journey.
In response to the post, several of Martial’s Manchester United teammates, both past and present, were quick to show their support. Among those leaving encouraging comments were Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Harry Maguire—three players who shared many seasons with Martial at Old Trafford and were integral parts of United’s core squad during his time there. Rashford, in particular, had formed a close bond with Martial, both on and off the pitch, and their partnership in attack was at times a crucial element of United’s offensive play. Their messages echoed the camaraderie they shared during their time together.
Jadon Sancho, currently on loan to Chelsea, also left a comment, as did former United players Anthony Elanga, Donny van de Beek, and Odion Ighalo, all of whom had shared dressing rooms with Martial during their respective spells at the club. The outpouring of support from his former teammates highlighted the respect and affection they have for Martial, not just as a player, but as a person. It’s clear that despite his quiet and reserved demeanor, Martial had earned a great deal of admiration within the United camp.
In an interview following his move, Martial expressed his delight at joining AEK Athens, stating: “I’m very happy. AEK was a chance for me, and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans.” His words reflect a sense of renewed ambition, as he looks to make a significant impact in Greece. Martial will now be aiming to help AEK compete for domestic honors, and perhaps even make a mark in European competition. His decision to join AEK seems to be driven by a desire to reignite his career in an environment where he can play regularly and contribute to a team that is pushing for success.
Former Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin, who played alongside Martial at Old Trafford, also shared his thoughts on the move in an interview with *Monobala*. Schneiderlin was quick to praise Martial’s decision, saying, “I think AEK’s style suits his game, and I’m confident he’ll have a fantastic season, scoring many goals.” He went on to highlight Martial’s strengths as a forward, particularly his ability to thrive in fast-paced, attacking systems, which he believes will allow Martial to shine in the Greek league. “He’s the kind of forward who can break down tight defenses and make a real difference,” Schneiderlin remarked, further emphasizing how Martial’s skill set could be a perfect fit for AEK’s style of play.
Schneiderlin also offered a more personal reflection on his former teammate, describing Martial as someone who, while initially appearing distant, is actually a warm and enjoyable presence off the pitch. “He’s someone who doesn’t talk a lot. When you first meet him, you might think he’s distant, but he enjoys laughing and is genuinely a wonderful person,” Schneiderlin shared, shedding light on the side of Martial that is perhaps less visible to the public but deeply appreciated by those who know him well.
As Martial embarks on this new chapter of his career in Greece, the support from his former teammates and friends serves as a testament to the impact he made during his time at Manchester United. While his journey at Old Trafford may have had its ups and downs, there is a shared hope that Martial can now find the consistency and success he has long sought. With his talent and determination, Martial has the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in Athens, and football fans will be watching eagerly to see how his story unfolds.