THERE’S A NEW MARTIAL IN TOWN
ANTHONY MARTIAL insists Manchester United fans haven’t seen the best of him yet as he prepares to face Liverpool at Anfield tomorrow.
Martial became an instant hero on the Stretford End last year when he banged in 17 goals in his first season, following a record-breaking £36million move from Monaco.
However, the French international has struggled to force his way into the United side under Jose Mourinho.
But a goal against Stoke in his last match has given the 20-year-old a boost and he is determined to make 2016-17 a campaign to remember.
“It’s a big season for me and I want to be better than last year,” he said.
“I don’t think you have see the true Martial at Man United yet. I know I can perform better, I know I can do more.
“But I’m convinced this season can be my year. It’s a feeling I have.”
The difficulty for Martial is that, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic (below) up front and Wayne Rooney desperate for a recall, he may have to bide his time in winning back his place as a central striker. But he insists it won’t be a problem. “I am a professional footballer and it’s a game where the coach decides where you can be most beneficial for the team,” he said. “As long as I am attacking, I am happy! I know what Jose Mourinho decides will be best for me, personally, and for the team.”
But that doesn’t preclude the fact that Martial will have work to keep working hard if he wants to persuade Mourinho to pick him regularly.
He added: “I have many aspects of my game I need to improve and that’s what I am focusing on. I prefer not to say what they are in public – for me, it’s a secret and I just want to work hard.
“When I look back, I think I could have done more last season, but I have to be positive. I didn’t think I’d play so quickly and get a regular place at my age.
“It is not easy to arrive in a different country and adapt quickly, but I think I’m getting there and I’m proud of that. But I want to be even better this season.”
The Frenchman has fond memories of Liverpool already.
He scored his first ever United goal in a 3-1 home win over their old rivals – and then played in the 1-0 victory at Anfield later in the season. “These are big games,” he said. “I think that this year there are many teams in the title race – City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Leicester, Chelsea and ourselves could all be there.
“But there can only be one champion, so every game is really important.”