Rio Ferdinand reveals Michael Carrick was convinced Man Utd star would win Ballon d’Or | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Michael Carrick, manager of Manchester United, once believed that Anthony Martial could win the Ballon d’Or after joining the club from Monaco in 2015. Despite a promising start and 90 goals in 317 appearances, Martial’s career dwindled, leading to his departure in summer 2024. He currently plays for Monterrey in Mexico.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick expressed his belief that Anthony Martial would win the Ballon d’Or following his arrival at the club in 2015. This statement was made during a conversation between Carrick and former teammate Rio Ferdinand, highlighting the anticipation surrounding Martial after he joined from Monaco and scored a stunning debut goal against Liverpool.
According to reports, Martial’s time at Old Trafford included flashes of brilliance but was marred by injuries and inconsistent performance, leading to the forward scoring 90 goals in 317 appearances before leaving Manchester in the summer of 2024. He is now playing for Mexican side Monterrey after a brief stint at AEK Athens.
Diogo Dalot praises Martial’s potential
This week, former teammate Diogo Dalot told Ferdinand that he included Martial in his all-time five-a-side team, citing his impressive training performances. Dalot recalled, “He could do things that you’d say you had to stop training,” underscoring Martial’s unique talent if he had maintained consistency during his career.
In the interview, Ferdinand reminded listeners that Carrick had once confidently stated Martial had the potential to become the best player in the world. Carrick’s influence on the team, alongside the extraordinary skill displayed by Martial in training, reinforced the high expectations that surrounded him during his time at Manchester United.
Both players left focusing on future successes
Additionally, Dalot reflected on Marcus Rashford’s career path after leaving United for Barcelona on loan last summer, suggesting that both players could have achieved even greater success with more consistent performances.
Despite their current circumstances, the legacy of their time at Manchester United remains significant, with both players recognised for their immense potential.