Fernandes' problem with Martial directly led to Man Utd transfer decision

Anthony Martial has joined Sevilla on a half-season long loan from Manchester United - and received a parting message from his good friend Bruno Fernandes upon leaving Old Trafford.

"My friend... our conversation on and off the pitch was always special," wrote Fernandes to Martial on Instagram. "Wish you all the best for the rest of the season! Go and shine bro."

Martial and Fernandes have worked together at United since 2020 but the Frenchman has found game time harder to come by in recent months and is now challenging himself abroad.

Martial's United career has been tumultuous since his 2015 arrival where he flourished under Louis van Gaal, fell down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho, was revived by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and, finally, was somewhat forgotten by Ralf Rangnick.

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One of the biggest problems managers had with Martial was knowing where to play him.

Martial has proven himself effective on the wing in the past, but he has struggled to keep the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood out of the first team with consistent performances.

Under Solskjaer, Martial enjoyed a spell up top, playing in the number nine role.

But it wasn't long before questions were asked about Martial's ability in front of goal.

Paul Scholes suggested the Frenchman had somehow conned United. He told Stadium Astro in 2020: "These forwards are exceptionally talented lads. We all know that. The problem with United's forwards is that none of them is an actual centre-forward.

"Martial almost conned us into thinking he was one at the end of last season because he scored so many goals and was quite good.

"He's started this season quite poorly again, which makes you think he isn't. It's misleading. That's why I've kept saying we need a top-class number nine."

A United player who shared Scholes' sentiment and agreed it was a problem that Martial wasn't scoring enough goals was Fernandes.

Although speaking in a light-hearted manner in an interview for Man United's official website, his words, along with Scholes' comments, effectively lead to Solskjaer replacing Martial up top with an out-and-out number nine, Edinson Cavani.

"With Marcus, there is always that kind of joke with him and Anto [Anthony Martial]. I say to them every time I pass to them, they never score," said Fernandes in 2020.

"They never give me assists. You see again that Anto missed that chance against Leeds. Straight away, I looked at him and started smiling. He understands what I mean by that. I think it's good, it's positive.

"Of course, sometimes you have to shout at your teammate and call him to do different things, that's also a big part of the game, that you're pushing a bit more for the other teammates.

"Sometimes it's with a smile, sometimes with other things, but the most important thing is understanding you're doing your best for the team."

Following Cavani's arrival, Martial was restored as a winger but the summer signings of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo made things even more difficult for him.

Sevilla confirmed Martial had joined the club for the remainder of the season on Tuesday. In a tweet, the Spanish side labelled the 26-year-old "a luxury reinforcement" and "a very special gift".