Bruno Fernandes' problem with Anthony 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.

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