Monaco were so sure Anthony Martial was destined for the top that when they allowed the 19-year-old striker to join Manchester United in 2015, they included a clause guaranteeing extra payments of €10 million if he made the Ballon d'Or shortlist. Six-and-a-half years later, however, Martial has been frozen out at Old Trafford as he has made it public that he wants to leave in the January transfer window. His promise remains unfilled, and that Ballon d'Or bonus remains unpaid.
It has reached the point that, when he was left out of the squad for the 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Monday night, nobody bothered to ask why.