In 2018, a significant disagreement unfolded between then-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and forward Anthony Martial, culminating in a substantial fine for the player. Martial, who was part of the United squad, left the team’s pre-season tour in the United States to be with his partner during the birth of their second child. However, he chose to remain in France with his family rather than immediately return to the club as expected.
The Pre-Season Controversy
The incident occurred during the summer of 2018 when Manchester United was undertaking its pre-season preparations. Martial, then a key player for the club, departed the tour under the premise of attending the birth of his child. Following the birth, which was described as healthy, Mourinho expected Martial to rejoin the squad promptly. The team was scheduled to play high-profile friendly matches against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich after an initial game against Liverpool in Chicago, which Martial missed.
Instead of returning, Martial extended his stay in France to support his partner through her recovery period. This decision led to a significant fallout with Jose Mourinho. The club imposed a fine of £180,000 on Martial, an amount equivalent to two weeks of his wages at the time. Furthermore, Mourinho publicly expressed his disappointment and frustration with the player’s absence.
Mourinho’s Public Remarks
Speaking to MUTV after the friendly defeat to Liverpool, Mourinho articulated his views on Martial’s situation. “He has the baby and after the baby is born – beautiful baby, full of health, thank god. He should be here and he is not here,” Mourinho stated. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, highlighting the team’s need for all players to be present and prepared for the start of the season. Mourinho also urged players on holiday to maintain their fitness, referencing the proactive approach of Marcus Rashford and Phil Jones, who he noted returned early to aid the team.
Martial’s Response: Family Above All
Amidst the growing criticism and the club’s disciplinary action, Anthony Martial responded to the situation. He firmly defended his decision, asserting that his family’s needs would always take precedence. In a message shared publicly, Martial conveyed his gratitude for the support he received and provided an update on his family’s well-being. “My little girl is fine, for the mum it was harder, but thank god she is better now,” he wrote. “Sorry, but my family will always come first. Back tomorrow in Manchester.” This statement underscored a fundamental difference in priorities between the player and his manager.
Deeper Roots of Disagreement
The pre-season incident was not an isolated event but rather a symptom of underlying tensions between Martial and Mourinho. Martial himself revealed in a 2022 interview with France Football that their issues began shortly after Mourinho took charge in 2016. A pivotal moment was when Mourinho decided to reassign Martial’s coveted number 9 shirt to new signing Zlatan Ibrahimović, offering him the number 11 instead, previously worn by club legend Ryan Giggs.
Martial explained his perspective on this decision: “I tell him that I have the greatest respect for Giggs, but that I prefer to keep my number nine. When I return to the club, I see my jersey with the number 11; the story did not start well [laughs]. He disrespected me, straight up.” This act of reallocating his preferred jersey was perceived by Martial as a sign of disrespect and marked the beginning of their strained relationship.
The Impact of the Jersey Change
The decision to strip Martial of his number 9 shirt, a number often associated with a team’s primary striker, was a significant event. While Mourinho’s intention might have been to assert his authority or make a statement with the arrival of Ibrahimović, it deeply affected Martial. He felt his position and value within the team were undermined. This perceived disrespect created a lasting negative impression and contributed to the ongoing friction between the player and manager throughout their time together at Old Trafford.
Martial’s Career Trajectory
Anthony Martial eventually departed Manchester United on a free transfer in 2024, concluding a tenure marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of inconsistency and managerial challenges. His time at the club saw him play under several managers, with his relationship with Jose Mourinho being one of the most notable and contentious. After leaving United, Martial moved to Mexican club Monterrey, seeking a new chapter in his career.
Current Pre-Season Preparations
In the present, Manchester United, under new leadership, is focused on its pre-season preparations. The club’s current strategy involves touring Europe, a move intended to simplify logistics and potentially avoid issues similar to those encountered in previous years, such as the Martial incident. The aim is to ensure a cohesive and focused squad heading into the new season, learning from past experiences to foster a more stable environment.
