Chelsea ‘failed with late bid to hijack Anthony Martial’s move to Manchester United’

A win for Ed?

Manchester United's claims that they were forced to act hastily to ensure they signed €80million man Anthony Martial have been mostly met with derision, but reports in today's Sunday Times suggest they weren't far off the mark. United swept in to sign teenage forward Martial from Monaco and later insisted the shock move was prompted by concern they might lose the player to a big European rival at a later date. In fact, it seems they got in just ahead of a foe much closer to home, with Chelsea having attempted to wrench Martial from their grasp at the last minute. Blues owner Roman Abramovich is said to have been ready to match United's huge offer for the 19-year-old, only to be told that the transfer to United had already been agreed. Chalk that one up as a small victory for under-fire United chief executive Ed Woodward.