Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Jose Mourinho has learnt from previous mistakes and will not be letting this gem leave so easily.

Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah and Romelu Lukaku are few names that Mourinho has let go in the past and, they’ve turned out to be huge mistakes further down the line when looking back. Indeed recent reports are linking United’s Anthony Martial (£58.5m rated by Transfermarkt) with a move away from the club, despite his popularity amongst our punters.

Since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez, our barman has noticed that Martial seems to have been moved around a lot more. Unlike the start of the season, where he and Marcus Rashford were tearing up the left wing and destroying defences, week in, week out, he doesn’t have a defined role. In fact, his name has even been touted in a potential squad clear out.

Martial is a talent – no doubt. However, if he continues on his current trajectory, the Frenchman could be one of the world’s best in years to come and letting him go now would be a huge mistake according to our landlord, his biggest since allowing Kevin De Bruyne to leave Chelsea a few years ago now. With that in mind, here are his TWO reasons why…

Age is on his side

Anthony Martial, alongside Rashford, are two of the hottest properties in European football at the moment. Indeed, Mourinho brought in Sanchez in the winter window which has shifted the balance of the team and, with the Chilean’s arrival, it certainly signalled a statement of intent in the here and now.

However, Martial is certainly the future of the Red Devils, and while Sanchez starts to tip over the age of 30, the Frenchman has plenty of years left in the tank.

One of the world’s best

The Frenchman is one of the hottest talents around and can be one of the world’s best in years to come, so losing him would be a huge mistake and only strengthen another team. Many in the bar feel that Mourinho should start to possibly build a team around the likes of Martial and company, potentially creating yet another great United strike force.

If Mourinho learns anything from the best, he is best off looking at the impact his departures are having in the Premier League this season.