Sport
Martial still has a part to play in Man Utd’s future
Anthony Martial can certainly be counted on to score or create a goal against Everton. By finding the back of the net in Manchester United’s 2-0 win on Saturday, the Frenchman lifted his tally to 12 goal contributions (eight goals and four assists) in 16 matches against the Goodison Park outfit.
Martial’s 30-minute cameo off the bench for United against Everton was his third substitute appearance since making a return to injury earlier this month. The 27-year-old has endured a fragmented season which has seen him produce moments of brilliance in between prolonged periods on the sidelines.
Before the start of the season, the theory was that Martial would give Erik Ten Hag a lot of what he was looking for in a number nine. The Frenchman had adapted quickly to the Dutchman’s methods during pre-season and was even pressing from the front in an effort to keep his place in the team.
Talent has never been a problem for Martial. In fact, he is one of the most naturally talented players currently at Old Trafford, as demonstrated countless times over the years. Some managers have misunderstood the 27-year-old in terms of his position, frequently used on the wing, but Ten Hag has been good for him.
“I’m not worried he will score,” said Ten Hag after the 2-0 win over Everton. “Martial, when fit, will contribute, when he’s on the pitch, he makes a difference to the team. See [how Martial performed against] Man City, see Liverpool, he has to keep himself fit, then he is a threat to the opposition and he can be clinical as well.”
Most believe Manchester United will enter the transfer market to sign a new centre forward this summer. Wout Weghorst was signed on loan from Burnley as a short-term solution following the release of Cristiano Ronaldo, but the Dutch international is limited in his skill set and United need better.
Harry Kane has been strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford with the 29-year-old approaching something of a career crossroads at Tottenham Hotspur. Kane would certainly fit the bill and would give Manchester United the sort of cutting edge they have lacked up front for a number of seasons.
Victor Osimhen could be another target with the Nigerian currently spearheading Napoli’s challenge for a first Serie A title since 1990 and the days of Diego Maradona. Osimhen’s mobility and ability to hold up the ball and brings others into the game could make him more attractive than Kane to Ten Hag.
Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson have also been mentioned as alternative options, but both would need moulding to become first team figures for Manchester United. This is where Martial could bridge the gap in the meantime for Ten Hag. He deserves one last chance to prove he can be the number nine United need in the immediate term.
United are a work-in-progress. Ten Hag hasn’t even been in charge at Old Trafford for a full season and while there have been signs of progress Manchester United are a long way from being the final product. This is highlighted by the inconsistency in their form over the course of the campaign.
The signing of a new number nine would certainly push Manchester United closer to where they want to be, but Martial would yet be a part of the solution. United could still have 12 fixtures left to play this season and that gives their French striker a stretch to prove why he should be part of their future.
