Simon Jordan has urged West Ham United to stay ‘well clear’ of signing Anthony Martial from Manchester United this summer, as he told talkSPORT.
The former Crystal Palace owner made it clear that ‘David Moyes is no fool’, but he doesn’t see what Martial has done in Manchester United colours that merits a move for him to the London Stadium.
The fresh-faced teenager that danced past Liverpool’s defence on his debut following his £36 million transfer from Monaco in 2015 (BBC Sport) has had a rocky time at Old Trafford for a number of seasons now.
Martial went out on loan to Spanish side Sevilla last season, but he failed to make an impact and he has now returned to his parent club ahead of the new Premier League season.
When Jordan was asked whether West Ham should sign the 26-year-old, he issued a pretty blunt response.
“Should West Ham take a punt on Anthony Martial?” asked Jordan. “I would say absolutely not. On what basis?
“What has he done for Manchester United? What did he do when he went out on loan? What does his attitude appear to be like? I would say he is one to keep at arm’s length, or more to the point, steer well clear of.
“Look, David Moyes is no fool. The coaching staff he has behind him is no fool. If they think they see something in this boy that they can turn, then that’s great.
“At one point, David Moyes turned Marko Arnautovic into something more compelling than the problem player, so you can make that argument. But, for me, no. Martial is one of those I would send anywhere in a camp.”
MARTIAL NEEDS A FRESH START
Martial needs to leave Old Trafford on a permanent basis and try to revive a career that had so much promise when he first touched the footballing scene in the colours of Monaco.
With Eric ten Hag in charge, his style of play and management could work for him, but the Frenchman needs a permanent transfer to get things going again.
Possibly moving to the London Stadium would be an interesting one, the Hammers certainly shouldn’t put a big transfer fee on the table if they want to sign him because it’s just not worth it right now.
But Moyes has punched well above West Ham’s weight since joining the club for a second time and he has proven that he can get the best out of individual players.
Perhaps Martial, who joined Man United just after Moyes was sacked by the club, needs a coach and man-manager like him in his life in order to take steps forward in his career rather than ones where he just continues to see him going backwards.
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