THE FALL OF ANTHONY MARTIAL

Anthony Martial has cut to be a frustrating figure so far at Manchester United

Manchester United striker Anthony Martial is walking a dangerous selection tightrope with his performances this season. Martial has struggled immensely- netting only 2 league goals. The fans are demanding the club sign a new striker to order to mount a sustainable Premier League title challenge.

What Has Gone Wrong?

Peak Anthony Martial

Martial ended the previous season with a career-best goal return and Cavani was signed in the summer to add experience to the forward line. Martial was involved in 9 goals during project restart, scoring 6 and setting up 3. Only one player in the league- his teammate Bruno Fernandes- was involved in more goals(10). It wasn't just Martial's output that improved, but also his work on the ball. Everything finally appeared to have clicked for the 24-year-old.

Disappointing performances

However, Martial has failed to jumpstart on this season. His gameplay has taken a hit for the worse. He has only 5 goal involvements in 17 Premier League appearances- 2 goals, 3 assists. Martial attracted criticism for his role in Sheffield United's second goal which condemned United to defeat at Old Trafford on Thursday, after idly watching the attack manifest only yards away from him.

Key Stats

Martial has not reached his peak with the France National team. he has failed to score in 5 Nation's league appearances for France and missed 7 clear cut chances- 3 more than any other player in the competition. Martial has not disappeared in games, but neither has he been effective.

Draught with the National Team

He has averaged 7 touches in the opposition penalty area per game in PL this season. His shots are down from 2.2 per game to just 1.4 this season. Registering a goal every 603 minutes. Martial's shot conversion percentage is as low as 47%.

What Next For Martial?

Cavani or Martial?

The fans call for Cavani to be permanently promoted to the role of the first-choice striker following his impressive performances of late. With Cavani in the twilight of his career and only representing a short term solution, United fans have called for Solskjaer to target a world-class centre-forward to complete their front line.

Transfer News

Winger Amad Diallo will arrive at Old Trafford from Atlanta. The 18-year-old agreed to sign for United in October but his lack of a work permit delayed the move. The Ivorian has been lighting up the PL2 for the U23s at Manchester United.

 

Haaland vs Martial

Martial's struggles get even more difficult to swallow for Solskjaer given that Erling Haaland, who he was desperate to sign a year ago, continues to excel for Borruisa Dortmund. The 20-year old has scored more goals in Bundesliga(10) than Martial has even attempted shots in PL(7).

 

Ole trusts Martial will regain his form. Nevertheless, United would be looking for young reinforcements to bolster their front line. On a more positive note, Martial looked back to his best in the 9-0 thrashing of Southampton, bagging a brilliant brace from the bench. We sincerely hope it's a sign of better things to come from him. Manchester United certainly need him back firing to stay in the title race.