This is redemption season at Manchester United, and if Anthony Martial continues in this vein, it might spark a full-fledged French revolution. In any case, better times are on the road and United have a clear transfer strategy in place following their choice to sign the reinvigorated frontman.
Despite the rising speculation about Cristiano Ronaldo, Martial was nervous as he boarded the long flight to Thailand with his United colleagues. Four games and three goals later, the groundwork has been laid for him to finally capitalize on his undeniable skill.
Martial’s lofty predictions must be taken with a grain of salt. Similar to United as a whole, the 26-year-old has had too many false dawns, and the reality is that he has only had two decent seasons for the club. It’s been more than seven years since he arrived from AS Monaco in a high-profile £50 million deal.
United fans are known for their innovative chants, and the one used to serenade the Frenchman ranks among the greatest. After witnessing Martial fire one into the back of the net, there was a chance it would never be needed again at Old Trafford as a current matter.
However, after a magnificent pre-season return, the vocal cords will be warming up. Doubts about his immediate future were dispelled when United stated he will not be moved this summer, while Erik ten Hag revealed his plans for Martial – albeit Ronaldo must obviously be considered.
“I’m sure he can come back even better,” Ten Hag said in Melbourne when asked about Martial. It’s debatable whether he meant what he said, but it planted the seed and provided the player with everything he needs to succeed at Old Trafford and beyond.
Ten Hag continued: “He will produce because he is a good player when he has the correct concentration and motivation and works hard. When he has the correct focus and consistently delivers, he will have productivity, and it is entirely up to him.” Those last four words are both correct and incorrect.
Getting the most out of Martial has always been a problem for him, despite the consequences for managers and teammates. Still, Ronaldo must be considered, and his decision will be told in more ways than one.
He’ll write the script for his second ending at United, whenever that comes, and if the curtains are drawn this summer, Ten Hag must continue to make Martial feel like he was always the first pick for the lead role. In that regard, he appears to have already learned from his mistakes.
Martial has frequently been accused of wilting under pressure for his position. With Ronaldo out of the picture, United simply cannot afford to complicate matters by bringing in another main striker to compete with the fragile forward.
Instead, spending money on a backup option would offer Martial another lift as he looks to build on what has been a promising summer for both the player and United as a whole. Putting faith in Martial is a risk, but using him as a backup option is doomed to fail.
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