MARTIAL PLAN
Striker’s two-goal cameo has given him a chance to improve his standing at United where he remains a frustrating, inconsistent performer
AS he prepares for his 250th appearance for Manchester United this weekend, the jury is still out on Anthony Martial.
An attacker capable of moments of brilliance, but one who can also go missing for long spells, Martial has been a source of frustration for United managers and fans over the past six years.
The 25-year-old became the most expensive teenager in world football when he joined United from Monaco in a £36million deal – rising to a potential £58m – in 2015 aged just 19. The France striker marked his debut with a sublime solo goal from the bench in a 3-1 win over arch rivals Liverpool, which immediately endeared him to United fans.
But despite plundering a career-best haul of 23 goals for United last season, Martial has failed to fulfil his rich potential.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has got more out of Martial than predecessor Jose Mourinho, who despaired of the French forward’s indolence and wanted to offload him. But he still has a lot to do to convince the doubters.
United’s 9-0 thrashing of a weakened Southampton on Tuesday was notable for many aspects, not least the Premier League recordequalling scoreline.
But it was also significant for Martial, a half-time substitute, scoring for the first time in nine games. Now Solskjaer will be hoping his brace can inspire him to rediscover his best form.
Martial replaced Edinson Cavani, who was taken off as a precaution after suffering a knock, but the switch was as much about giving his replacement a chance to restore his confidence.
It was Martial who bore the brunt of the criticism levelled at United after the shock 2-1 defeat by bottom club Sheffield United last week that ended a 13-game unbeaten league run.
Former United defender Rio Ferdinand singled out Martial for his failure to track back and help defend after losing the ball in the move that led to the Blades winner at Old Trafford.
Martial’s lack of intensity and unwillingness to track back was not lost on boss Solskjaer, who dropped him for Cavani in United’s next two games.
Cavani, who turns 34 on February 14, has a greater work ethic than Martial and offers more to United in terms of pressing, movement and link-up play, as well as being a more clinical finisher.
The Uruguayan has six goals from 21 games this season, Martial seven from 27, but it is the former who looks to have become Solskjaer’s first-choice striker, flanked by Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings behind.
If Martial is to reclaim his place, he needs to find top gear now, with Solskjaer eyeing a striker this summer who can play through the middle and consistently deliver 20-plus goals a season.