Anthony Martial was brilliant last season for Manchester United, finishing as the club’s top scorer in all competitions.
He scored 23 times, and with him leading the line, United looked fearsome in attack last year. However, that form hasn’t quite translated into this season.
The Frenchman has scored just twice this season in seven outings for the Red Devils and is yet to produce a shot on target in the Premier League. A red card in the 6-1 loss to Spurs at Old Trafford meant he had to serve a three-game domestic ban, limiting his opportunity to recapture his form.
On the surface, things seem worrisome. He’s not scoring, and his competition is. Rashford is in blistering form and Edinson Cavani seems to finally have found his fitness and goalscoring touch.
Anthony Martial is the only striker in the Premier League this season to have failed to produce both a shot on target and failed to create a single chance for his teammates (among all strikers with 90+ mins played).
289 minutes and counting… pic.twitter.com/zIVXh2NYtn
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 7, 2020
Looking deeper, however, there should be very little to worry about. He hasn’t found his golden touch in front of goal this season, but the French striker has still played relatively well.
Of course, his goals are vital to his side and United are a much bigger threat with the 24-year old fit and firing. At his best, Martial brings goals, assists, dazzling runs, and most importantly, chemistry.
Anthony Martial scored 8 goals in 18 Premier League appearances this season prior to Bruno Fernandes making his debut. Since Fernandes made his debut, he has scored 6 in 7.
Enjoying himself. 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ynRG87weHm
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) June 26, 2020
Who does Rashford link-up best with? Fernandes? Greenwood? Pogba? The answer to all of the above, fittingly, is Martial. With the Frenchman at his best leading the line, United’s attack goes from inconsistent to cohesive.
The French marksman now faces stiff competition from Edinson Cavani, and perhaps even Mason Greenwood for the striker’s berth at Old Trafford, but given Martial’s performance last season, Solskjær’s best option up top should be his No.9.
United face West Brom this weekend, a fixture they’ll be expected to win, and will need Martial’s help to do so. So far this season, the Reds have been underwhelming in the Premier League, but as Martial slowly plays his way into form, the consistency in results should follow.
