Man Utd's next manager will face dilemma over Joel Glazer's 'favourite player'

Anthony Martial was considered Joel Glazer’s ‘favourite player’ at Man Utd and any new manager will have a dilemma in deciding what happens with the Frenchman in the future

Manchester United look increasingly likely to move on from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after their recent struggles.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the club privately accept a new manager will be needed, although the Norwegian may cling on until the end of the season.

Brendan Rodgers is understood to be viewed as the most suitable candidate with Erik Ten Hag and Luis Enrique also considered.

Whoever ends up taking charge at Old Trafford will have a significant task on their hands to restore the under-performing club to former glories.

And a dilemma that will need to be solved is one faced by both Solskjaer and predecessor Jose Mourinho.

It concerns the future of Anthony Martial – who was known to be the ‘favourite player’ of co-owner Joel Glazer in the past.

In May 2019, the Mirror reported that Martial’s future at Manchester United was secure because he was viewed as the club’s “Pele” by Glazer.

Solskjaer called Martial’s focus and commitment into question – just like Mourinho did when he was manager.

But Glazer’s stance on Martial meant he was never likely to be sold, and after an upturn in form he signed a new contract.

The Times this week reported that a figure close to Jose Mourinho suggested Martial’s “head was in the clouds” but he never expected United to sell him due to Glazer’s fondness of the Frenchman.

The 25-year-old, considered one of the top young talents in world football after his big-money move from Monaco in 2015, has fallen down the pecking order at United under Solskjaer.

He has scored just one goal and made only five Premier League appearances this season leaving his future in doubt.

But there have still been flashes of his talent during his time at United, and Glazer’s fondness of Martial certainly appears to have complicated matters in the past.

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani reaching the latter stages of their career, the central striker role remains a source of uncertainty in the long-term for United.

And the dilemma over how to deal with Martial, particularly with his contract up in 2024 with an option for an extra year, will be one that United’s next manager needs to solve.