Martial needs to prove he can be United’s No.9
A WIDE forward or a No.9? That has been the question that has plagued Anthony Martial’s United career.
After netting 21 goals last season, the Frenchman’s regression this term has left big question marks over his long-term future with the Reds.
M.E.N. Sport understands Erling Haaland is United’s priority target this summer, with both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and John Murtough prioritising the arrival of a central striker.
That, understandably, puts Martial’s position in the team under threat. For years, the debate has raged over whether the 25-year-old is best from the left-hand side or down the middle.
Upon Solskjaer’s arrival and Romelu Lukaku’s departure, he was reunited with his favoured No.9 shirt, which had been stripped from him following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival and then given to Lukaku.
Martial’s form last season seemingly put an end to doubts over his position as he hit 21 goals, including six in nine Premier League matches after the season restarted in June.
While Luke Shaw, arguably United’s best player this season, has risen to the challenge of Alex Telles’ arrival, Martial has shrunk into his shell since Edinson Cavani pitched up at Old Trafford.
The Uruguayan striker has outscored him with six league goals in just nine starts, whilst the Frenchman has only notched four in 17.
In truth, had it not been for Cavani’s fitness problems, which have frustrated United, it is likely Martial would have not started as many as 17 matches. It’s undeniable the Reds have looked much stronger as an attacking unit with Cavani as their focal point.
Regardless of Martial’s waning goal output, he has looked burdened by the responsibility of leading the attack, rather than hungry to meet
the demands of a critical role in Solskjaer’s side.
It’s with little surprise then that United are looking to find a lethal man in front of goal.
Earlier this week, Rio Ferdinand likened Haaland to his former teammate Ruud van Nistelrooy, widely accepted as one of the deadliest forwards to have graced the Premier League.
“It’s a big responsibility, of course,” Van Nistelrooy told Vibe with Five, when asked by Ferdinand about the responsibility of being United’s No.9.
“When people are welcoming you, everyone is on a great positive vibe and that’s the beginning. After one or two seasons, the responsibility – you start to feel that with every game.
“That’s the pressure you have to deal with.
“As the expectations grow, the press are there, one game you don’t score and it’s a big problem. That’s something you have to deal with and it’s a huge responsibility.”
In a sink-or-swim season, Martial has been weighted down at the bottom of the ocean, despite his raw talent and flashes of brilliance.
Solskjaer has placed plenty of faith in him but this season he hasn’t delivered. Only time will tell if the threat of a new No.9 can spark him into life.