Two
Manchester United stars have seemingly proven Jamie Carragher wrong by remaining at the club four years after he insisted they should be axed. Speaking back in 2019, Carragher claimed United were fearful of falling apart without certain key players, who were in fact doing more harm than good. The former
Liverpool captain likened it to a similar feeling that engulfed the Anfield club. At the time,
Paul Pogba was considering his future after an underwhelming return to Old Trafford from Juventus, while David De Gea had failed to join
Real Madrid in the summer of 2015 and was yet to sign a new deal. Anthony Martial had signed a four-year contract in January 2019. ALSO READ: Anthony Martial has a debt to pay to United Carragher insisted a club of United's stature should just 'get rid' of the trio and not be held to ransom by players agitating to leave or considering their futures. "It feels like De Gea is messing about with his contract," Carragher told Sky Sports four years ago. "Pogba is the same, maybe Martial has just signed one right now. "This idea that these players can't leave your club or it will all fall apart - It's Man United! It's one of the biggest clubs in the world, and you're not exactly pulling up trees with them anyway. So if people aren't showing the right attitude just make a decision. "Be a big club and a proper club and say 'OK. If you don't accept what we want to do, move on and we'll get someone else'. It's Manchester United! "Never forget how big the club is and the power that they've got. Don't ever let these players dictate to the club about signing contracts, just get rid of them!" Pogba did go back to
Juventus upon the expiration of his Reds contract last summer, the French midfielder making just two appearances since due to injury. But both De Gea and Martial have remained at Old Trafford, signing fresh deals since and becoming integral to Erik ten Hag's plans. Despite initial doubts regarding his ability to play out from the back, De Gea has maintained his place in United's first-team plans and has been an ever-present under Ten Hag, with almost 50 appearances across all competitions. Martial's campaign has been less hectic, the striker struggling again with injuries and yet to complete 90 minutes. But with Marcus Rashford recently injured and out for 'a few weeks', Martial's goals may become vital between now and the end of the season. He is the club's joint third highest goalscorer, despite managing fewer than 900 minutes of
Football. READ NEXT Follow the latest United news, views and analysis Casemiro's agent lifts lid on struggles during suspension Manchester United Supporters' Trust make Glazer demand David de Gea gives verdict on Anthony Martial 'He can kill opponents' - Erik ten Hag challenges Antony