In 2018, a significant disagreement arose between then-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and forward Anthony Martial concerning the player’s absence from the club’s pre-season tour. Martial, who was with the team in the United States, left the tour to be with his partner during the birth of their second child. However, he remained in France to support his partner through her recovery, a decision that led to a substantial fine and public criticism from Mourinho.
Martial’s Departure and Mourinho’s Reaction
The incident occurred during Manchester United’s 2018 summer preparations. Martial had departed the team’s tour in the US, but instead of rejoining for subsequent fixtures against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, he stayed in France. This absence meant he missed a friendly match against Liverpool in Chicago, which United lost 4-1. Jose Mourinho expressed his disappointment, stating that while he understood the joy of a new baby, the player should have been present for his team’s crucial pre-season activities. Mourinho also commented on the importance of players returning fit and ready, referencing the efforts of Marcus Rashford and Phil Jones in coming back early from holidays to aid the team.
The financial penalty imposed on Martial was £180,000, an amount equivalent to two weeks of his wages at the time. Mourinho publicly voiced his frustration, highlighting the player’s unavailability during a critical period for team preparation.
Martial’s Defense: Family Above All
In response to the mounting criticism and the imposed fine, Anthony Martial defended his decision, emphasizing his commitment to his family. He issued a statement acknowledging the well wishes for his daughter and expressing relief that her mother was recovering. Martial’s core message was clear: “My family will always come first.” He indicated his intention to return to Manchester the following day, signaling his commitment to the club despite the personal circumstances.
This stance underscored a fundamental difference in priorities between the player and the manager. While Mourinho focused on team discipline and pre-season readiness, Martial prioritized his role as a partner and father during a significant family event.
Deeper Roots of Manager-Player Friction
The pre-season incident was not an isolated event but rather a symptom of underlying tensions between Martial and Mourinho that reportedly began earlier. In an interview in 2022, Martial revealed that a key point of contention arose shortly after Mourinho took charge in 2016. Mourinho decided to reassign Martial’s coveted No. 9 jersey to new signing Zlatan Ibrahimović, offering Martial the No. 11 shirt, previously worn by club legend Ryan Giggs.
Martial recounted his conversation with Mourinho, where he expressed respect for Giggs but a strong preference for keeping his No. 9. Upon his return to the club, he discovered his jersey had already been changed to No. 11. Martial described this action as disrespectful, marking the beginning of their difficult relationship. He felt that Mourinho’s handling of the jersey situation set a negative tone for their time working together.
Current Context and Future Outlook
The article contrasts this past event with the current situation at Manchester United. Michael Carrick, preparing for his first pre-season as manager, aims to avoid similar disruptions. The club’s decision to focus their pre-season tour within Europe, rather than the United States, is seen as a measure to mitigate potential issues related to player availability and travel.
Anthony Martial eventually departed Manchester United on a free transfer in 2024, moving to play for Monterrey in Mexico. His tenure at the club was marked by periods of brilliance interspersed with challenges, including the well-documented friction with Jose Mourinho. The 2018 pre-season incident remains a notable example of the complex dynamics that can exist between players, their personal lives, and the demands of professional football management.
Conclusion
The episode involving Anthony Martial’s fine and subsequent public exchange with Jose Mourinho in 2018 highlights the perennial conflict between a player’s personal responsibilities and the strict requirements of elite football management. Martial’s unwavering commitment to his family, even at the cost of a significant fine and managerial displeasure, underscores a personal value system that prioritized familial support. This, coupled with earlier perceived slights like the jersey reassignment, contributed to a strained relationship that ultimately defined a significant chapter of his time at Manchester United.
