Barcelona have made initial contact with Manchester United regarding a prominent forward, and his future will likely be determined in the coming weeks by Ralf Rangnick, according to a report.
Rangnick, 63, is on course to become the interim manager of Manchester United until the end of the season. Michael Carrick has overseen a victory over Villarreal and a draw with Chelsea since taking the wheel.
However, United are understood to prefer a more seasoned operator after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s inexperience was ruthlessly exposed.
Rangnick has cultivated a reputation within the game as a superb coach and tactician. If, as many predict, he moves upstairs into a consultancy role when the season concludes, his expertise off the field will come to the fore.
Rangnick has operated as a director of football in the past, and according to the Mirror, he may soon have the decisive say on the future of Martial.
The 25-year-old Frenchman is facing an uphill struggle to once again be a regular starter at Old Trafford.
The summer arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho have pushed him further down the pecking order. As a result, the Mirror (citing Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo), claim an escape route to Barcelona is a distinct possibility.
Barcelona are light in the firepower department at present. Sergio Aguero was drafted in to help ease the transition away from Lionel Messi.
However, the Man City legend’s heart condition may have seen him play his final match as a professional.
Ousmane Dembele recently returned from injury. Though his days at the Camp Nou appear numbered after rejecting his latest contract offer.
As such, Barcelona have reportedly made contact with United regarding Martial’s availability.
However, it is relayed the Frenchman’s future could rest with incoming boss Rangnick. The German could determine Martial’s future as early as the ‘next few weeks’.