Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol, however, held a different perspective, foreseeing Solskjaer’s dismissal and pointing to a specific player. He cautioned the Norwegian about Anthony Martial, offering a candid assessment back in 2020. When asked about Martial’s impact at Man United, Nicol bluntly replied, “I’d say no.”

Nicol expressed frustration, stating, “This individual exasperates me. In football, there are certain players we say could lead to a manager’s dismissal.” He emphasized how Martial’s pattern of underperformance followed by sporadic moments of brilliance can be destabilizing for a team.

I had higher expectations for him, but he struggles to maintain his fitness,” Despite ongoing transfer rumors connecting him to other clubs, Martial remains with Manchester United. Under Erik ten Hag’s management this season, he has featured in 10 league games without finding the net. Martial’s existing contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and the prospect of a renewal seems highly improbable.

As the dust settled after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure from Manchester United, revealing insights surfaced from within the club’s corridors, shedding light on a cautionary tale that echoed through the annals of Old Trafford. Amidst the post-mortem analysis of Solskjaer’s tenure, whispers emerged regarding warnings he had received about a certain player—a player who, in hindsight, proved to be a thorn in the manager’s side.

The player in question was Anthony Martial, a name synonymous with both moments of brilliance and frustrating inconsistencies. While Solskjaer’s tenure at Manchester United was characterized by highs and lows, Martial’s presence loomed large as a contentious figure within the squad.

Former teammates and footballing luminaries had purportedly cautioned Solskjaer about Martial’s impact on the team’s dynamics. Yet, despite these admonitions, Solskjaer chose to forge ahead, perhaps underestimating the gravity of the warnings.

One such figure who had voiced concerns was none other than Jose Mourinho, a seasoned tactician whose tenure at Old Trafford had its own share of tumultuous moments. Mourinho’s insight, drawn from his own experiences managing Martial, carried weight, serving as a harbinger of the challenges that lay ahead.

The warnings didn’t end there. Solskjaer had reportedly received counsel from former players who had witnessed Martial’s mercurial nature firsthand. Their collective message resonated: Martial’s inconsistency could prove detrimental, a ticking time bomb that could explode when least expected.

As Solskjaer’s tenure unfolded, the warnings began to manifest into tangible consequences. Martial’s form fluctuated wildly, veering from moments of brilliance to prolonged spells of underperformance. The French forward struggled to maintain the consistency expected of a player of his caliber, leaving Solskjaer grappling with tactical dilemmas and team dynamics.

Despite the mounting pressure and growing concerns, Solskjaer persisted with Martial, perhaps hopeful that the enigmatic forward would eventually find his rhythm and fulfill his undeniable potential. However, as the results faltered and the pressure intensified, Martial’s impact on the team became increasingly scrutinized.

Ultimately, as Solskjaer’s tenure reached its inevitable conclusion, the echoes of those early warnings reverberated throughout Old Trafford. Martial’s presence, once seen as a symbol of promise, now stood as a cautionary tale—a reminder of the perils of ignoring sage advice.

As the club ushered in a new era under a fresh managerial stewardship, the spotlight remained firmly fixed on Martial. With the weight of expectations bearing down upon him, the enigmatic forward found himself at a crossroads, his future at Manchester United hanging in the balance.

For Erik ten Hag, the newly appointed manager tasked with leading Manchester United into a new chapter, the warnings regarding Martial serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. As he navigates the complexities of managing a squad brimming with talent and potential, ten Hag must tread carefully, mindful of the lessons learned from the past. The specter of Martial’s tumultuous tenure looms large, serving as a cautionary tale for those who dare to ignore the wisdom of experience.