Manchester United is the delight of the British tabloids. Between the Mason Greenwood case and the Antony scandal, the media are having a blast, as they are fond of this type of affair. They have also had something to write about about Anthony Martial in recent years. The French striker has often been talked about for his very turbulent private life. This was again the case recently since her ex-partner publicly attacked her on social networks. Often trending on Twitter for his personal stories more than for his performances, the former Monaco player is reaching a turning point this season.
Ups and downs at MU
In fact, he will end his contract on June 30, 2024. Arriving in 2015 with the label of great hope, the center forward has experienced highs and above all a lot of lows. Not necessarily spared from injuries (21 since his arrival at MU according to transfermarkt), he generally disappointed when he was on the meadow. However, his first seasons had been honorable. In 2015-16, he scored 17 goals and provided 8 assists in 49 appearances. The following years were also decent (8 goals and 8 assists in 2016-17; 11 goals and 9 assists in 2017-18, 12 goals and 2 assists in 2018-19).
He also had his best year in 2019-20 with a total of 23 goals and 9 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions, including 41 as a starter. He was less effective subsequently, he who was the victim of injuries and the choices of his coaches (7 goals and 5 assists in 2020-21). In 2021-22, he started with the Red Devils (1 goal, 0 assists in 11 appearances) before being sent on loan to Sevilla in the winter transfer window. Author of a goal in his second match with the Andalusians, he was then generally disappointing during the 12 matches in which he participated.
A player criticized
But it must be remembered that he has long been hampered by a hamstring injury. Back in Manchester, Martial remained in the group without necessarily being a strong starter. Moreover, the English never closed the door concerning him during the last transfer windows. But the former OL player always stayed. This season, he intended to seize his chance since MU’s offensive sector is less provided. Rather interesting during the summer tour, he didn’t really shine afterwards. Coming into play against Tottenham (6 minutes), he started against Nottingham Forest (59 minutes).
Same thing a week later during the clash against Arsenal (3-1 defeat). Despite 66 minutes spent on the pitch, he delivered an insipid match. Despite the encouragement of Erik ten Hag, who quickly released it, the Frenchman was not spared from criticism. Roy Keane notably cut it. “You look at Martial, the manager congratulated him. I don’t think he hit the goal, he didn’t do anything. I think the manager will be satisfied with the performance, but you have to have a broader vision. I still think there are huge problems at the club.”
A future to settle
Former glory of the club, Andy Cole also smashed the native of Massy. “Martial has been at Manchester United for 8 years now and he hasn’t even scored 100 goals. It’s incredible. He is a top striker at Manchester United and has played in some fantastic teams. His best season in the league did not exceed 17 goals. “He had more than enough time and opportunity to show United how good he was and unfortunately he wasn’t able to do that.” Since his arrival at MU, he has scored 88 goals in 301 matches. A result which is not necessarily flattering for the international tricolor.
Some also consider it a flop. Not the Manchester Evening News who did not include him in his top of the worst signings of the Mancunian club. Harry Maguire, Fred, Falcao, Memphis Depay, Romelu Lukaku, Angel Di Maria, Jadon Sancho, Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek and finally Alexis Sanchez (No. 1 in the ranking) appear in this blacklist. A small consolation for Anthony Martial, who still has 9 months to properly finish his story with Manchester United. Then, he will be free to join the club of his choice and relaunch a career that is slipping. At 27, there is still time.
