Diogo Dalot explains what separated Marcus Rashford from Anthony Martial during their time at Manchester United

Anthony Martial’s time at Manchester United came to an end in 2024, when his contract ran out and he left on a free transfer.

The French striker then joined AEK Athens after the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, before moving to Mexican club Monterrey in 2025.

Although Martial had his supporters during his time at United, his inconsistency and frequent injury problems often held him back.

The former France international was capable of producing moments of brilliance, but he rarely managed to string together long stretches of strong form.

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Dalot explained why he felt Martial stood out more than Rashford, pointing to one key reason.

“Rashford could be anything that he wants, also,” he told Ferdinand.

“But I put Anthony [in the team] and I don’t put Rashford because, in training, at the top, Anthony was a little bit different. And he could do everything.”

Michael Carrick tipped Anthony Martial for Ballon d’Or after joining Manchester United

Anthony Martial arrived at Old Trafford from Monaco in 2015, just as Michael Carrick’s distinguished playing career was entering its final stages.

Ferdinand shared that Carrick had high hopes for Martial, believing the striker had the potential to one day win the Ballon d’Or.

Reflecting on those early days, Dalot agreed with Carrick’s view and recalled: “In training, he could do things that you’d say you had to stop training. You know, those moments where you say […] you want to blow the whistle and say, ‘Okay, let’s go inside.’

“And I had a few. I remember Juan Mata also had those things of quality.”

At the time of his move to United, Martial was the most expensive teenager in football history. The club paid £58m to secure his services from Monaco.