Sports

Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward go to war over Anthony Martial

255

Mourinho wants to sell Martial (Picture: Getty)

Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodwards relationship has deteriorated due to a disagreement over Anthony Martial, with the attacker believing he was dropped by his manager due to their ongoing row.

The Manchester United head coach and executive vice-chairman have not seen eye to eye over summer transfers and had different plans in mind for the France international, according to French outlet RMC.

Woodward believes Martial will become a vital component at Old Trafford in the future, but Mourinho was ready to cash in on a player he does not believe wants to be at Old Trafford.

Martial pushed for an exit but Woodward blocked all approaches for him.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on July 16, 2016 Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward (R) listens as Manchester United's Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho talks with former Manchester United player Bobby Charlton (not pictured) following the pre-season friendly football match between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United at the DW stadium in Wigan, northwest England, on July 16, 2016. - Jose Mourinho on August 24, 2018 denied a rift with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward despite growing speculation over the power structure at Manchester United. (Photo by JON SUPER / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. / JON SUPER/AFP/Getty Images — Woodward and Mourinho have clashed (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Offers came from AC Milan and Atletico Madrid, while Tottenham Hotspur – who thumped United 3-0 on Monday night – also made a bid for his services.

After learning of his desire to leave, Mourinho was desperate to offload him and even set up swap deals with Chelsea for Willian and Spurs for Toby Alderweireld.

Advertisement Advertisement

But, again, Woodward would not allow the 22-year-old to depart, which left Mourinho frustrated at being unable to sign two of his top targets.

Mourinho begged Woodward to sell the winger so that he could raise funds for a new centre-back, but Woodward refused and has placed a huge new five-year contract in front of Martial in an attempt to keep him.

Martial is still keen to leave, though it seems unlikely that Woodward would accept an offer ahead of the European transfer window deadline, and he believes Mourinho left him out of the squad to face Spurs in order to get back at Woodward.