Anthony Martial Faces Monterrey Exile After Touchline Outburst
Former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has been banished from first-team training by Mexican club Monterrey following a touchline tantrum. The incident occurred after the 30-year-old Frenchman was substituted during a recent match, leading to disciplinary action from the club's management.
Disciplinary Action Taken Following Weekend Incident
Martial's outburst came during Monterrey's 3-2 defeat to Chivas de Guadalajara last Sunday. The striker was replaced by youngster Joaquin Moxica in the 74th minute, prompting an angry reaction on the substitutes' bench. Mexican outlet TUDN reported that manager Nicolas Sanchez was displeased with Martial's behavior, resulting in the player being ordered to train separately from the main squad for the remainder of the week.
The disciplinary measure represents another setback in Martial's challenging spell with Monterrey, where he joined in September 2025 on a two-year contract. Despite arriving with considerable reputation from his time in European football, the forward has struggled to make an impact, scoring just once in his last 21 appearances for the Mexican outfit.
From Golden Boy to Monterrey Misfortune
Martial's current predicament marks a significant decline for a player who was once considered among football's brightest prospects. In 2015, he became the world's most expensive teenager when Manchester United paid Monaco £36 million for his services under manager Louis van Gaal. His sensational debut season included a memorable solo goal against Liverpool at Old Trafford that announced his arrival on the English football scene.
However, his nearly decade-long tenure at Old Trafford was characterized by inconsistency, with Martial scoring 90 goals in 317 appearances. His best individual season saw him net 23 times, but his final campaign yielded just two goals before his contract expired in summer 2024.
Post-United Career Struggles Continue
Following his departure from Manchester United, Martial spent a season with Greek club AEK Athens, where he scored nine times in 24 appearances. The move to Monterrey was intended to revitalize his career, but the disciplinary issues and poor form have instead highlighted his ongoing struggles.
The French forward's career trajectory stands in stark contrast to his early promise. In 2015, he won the prestigious Golden Boy award, joining an elite group of recipients that includes Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lamine Yamal. Former Manchester United teammate Diogo Dalot once remarked that Martial "could be the best player in the world" if he applied himself fully, underscoring the unfulfilled potential that has characterized his professional journey.
Monterrey's decision to banish Martial from first-team training represents the latest chapter in what has become a disappointing post-United career for the once-celebrated forward, whose disciplinary issues now threaten his future with the Mexican club.
