[HookedOnAPhelan]

I had given up on him, but if Ten Hag can breathe some life into Tony that would be great. His talent has never been in doubt. Hopefully pre-season is a sign of things to come.

Perhaps the Sevilla loan was a bit of a wake up call for him too?

 

[The United]

He's had three poor seasons. If we go over his time here:

15/16 - Very good debut season
16/17 - Poor. People put it down to Zlatan, but as I noted above there were plenty of other things going on.
17/18 - Fairly good. Was easily our best performing left attacker that season, but Mourinho's dislike for him meant Rashford and then Sanchez kept getting picked ahead of him despite playing much worse. The only time Jose bit the bullet and made him first choice he was our main man in attack for a month or two.
18/19 - Started the same as the previous season, being behind Sanchez until Mourinho threw Martial into the team in desperation and Martial was quite good. Unfortunately he was injured and ill for most of the second half of the season after Ole took over.
19/20 - Excellent, our player of the season.
20/21 - Very poor.
21/22 - Arguably even worse than the previous year.

So it's been 3 poor seasons, 2 fairly good seasons that he was our best performer in his position but through no fault of his own didn't get to cement his spot, and two very good seasons.

Fair enough for me.

Let's hope he can get back to his 19/20 form for us this season.

 

[Foxbatt]

I think with Erickson and Sancho in the side he is going to play better.

 

[Sandikan]

Unreal to think that this is his 8th season here coming!

 

[Trequarista10]

Perhaps the Sevilla loan was a bit of a wake up call for him too?

Good point. Maybe he thought he would tear it up and was humbled by the experience?

 

[Raven]

I think with Erickson and Sancho in the side he is going to play better.

Definitely, I've always felt he needs players around him who are better at linking up. The 6 months after Bruno came in saw him become one of the best strikers in the league (or at least most in form). If we can surround him with intelligent, technical players, I'm sure we'll see the best of him.

 

[Chairman Steve]

Looks good so far but what matters is that first game against Brighton and after that. Hopefully he’s had an epiphany and realised he needs serious application to stay at this level.

Even if he hits 30 goals this season, I’d still be apprehensive about the season after that. He’s had one flaky career so far with those wild fluctuations in goal tallies over seasons. Scored 23 goals one season then followed up with barely half that in the following two.

 

[Bogga]

I think with Erickson and Sancho in the side he is going to play better.

Yeah, Eiriksen will give him loots of smooth passes

 

[VivaRonaldo85]

I was a Martial FC fanboy for many years. But to think 8 years on from him signing and after back to back dreadful seasons and a wash out loan spell in la liga, we are pinning our striker hopes on his shoulders defies belief. Surely a priority signing remains a striker or am I missing something?

 

[edcunited1878]

I was a Martial FC fanboy for many years. But to think 8 years on from him signing and after back to back dreadful seasons and a wash out loan spell in la liga, we are pinning our striker hopes on his shoulders defies belief. Surely a priority signing remains a striker or am I missing something?

Eventually, a long-term striker will have to be signed. Martial's only contractually guaranteed at the club for another two seasons (22/23 and 23/24).

A few things to consider and they are arguably against him. First, he has to remain fit and engaged. He's had to overcome signficant injuries the past couple of years, hence his major fall from his best scoring season and most complete season (similar to Marcus). Secondly, the club has to sign a player who can play center forward due to depth/competition reasons. It would be sheer neglect by the club if they don't have another forward player, assuming Ronaldo is going to leave this window. Martial could breakdown again, especially with the understanding that the forwards and the team are to press much more and together throughout the season.

United aren't going to win the league this year, very, very unlikely. So not a problem for them to wait another year to identify and recruit the proper center forward(s) they see fit. Ronaldo's off the books and can use this year to fully understand the type of CF needed for EtH and the club. Just that Martial has to stay reasonably fit this year to be relied upon. If Ronaldo leaves, then even some type of reinforcement must be signed....and then Martial must not see them as a threat, more like cover. Martial's at his best when he's playing with a clear role and understanding that he's a CF or LF or whatever, especially if he's first choice. Not the type of player to embrace a part-time role.

But the fact that there's 5 subs per league and European game, he should be very confident of being played as a starter or first choice attacker off the bench.

 

[HookedOnAPhelan]

I was a Martial FC fanboy for many years. But to think 8 years on from him signing and after back to back dreadful seasons and a wash out loan spell in la liga, we are pinning our striker hopes on his shoulders defies belief. Surely a priority signing remains a striker or am I missing something?

Feels like 8, but it's just 7 mate.

 

[MikeKing]

I had given up on him, but if Ten Hag can breathe some life into Tony that would be great. His talent has never been in doubt. Hopefully pre-season is a sign of things to come.

Perhaps the Sevilla loan was a bit of a wake up call for him too?

I know what you mean, and I'm a Martial fan but I do think we can see a pattern by now and most likely this will just be a phase, and the only thing we can hope for is that it will last maybe a bit longer than last time he was good. I just don't think anymore, that he has it in him to become a world class player. However, he still has those qualities so who knows.

 

[HookedOnAPhelan]

I know what you mean, and I'm a Martial fan but I do think we can see a pattern by now and most likely this will just be a phase, and the only thing we can hope for is that it will last maybe a bit longer than last time he was good. I just don't think anymore, that he has it in him to become a world class player. However, he still has those qualities so who knows.

In Tony's defense his coaches for the last 6 years at United have been Mourinho, Ole, and Rangnick. I think Ten Hag is the first coach he's had since Van Gaal who a) is suited to his style of play, and b) will not put up with any bullshit (you could argue Mourinho was the same, but Martial was still very young back then, and Mourinho was a prick with an outdated style of play).

And who knows, maybe the Sevilla loan has humbled him a bit, and he's realized that the situation at United wasn't the sole cause of his difficulties, and he can't just rely on his talent alone if he wants to reach the top.

Anyway, it's obvious that he's on his absolute last chance here. The club was clearly ready to sell him before the summer, but he's been given a lifeline due to circumstance (Ronaldo wanting out and the Greenwood situation). He's done remarkably well in pre-season, so hopefully he's turned a corner.

 

[Glorio]

Dribbling seems to be returning judging by this pre-season compilation:

https://www.manutd.com/en/videos/de...n-utd-player-anthony-martial-during-tour-2022

 

[MikeKing]

In Tony's defense his coaches for the last 6 years at United have been Mourinho, Ole, and Rangnick. I think Ten Hag is the first coach he's had since Van Gaal who a) is suited to his style of play, and b) will not put up with any bullshit (you could argue Mourinho was the same, but Martial was still very young back then, and Mourinho was a prick with an outdated style of play).

And who knows, maybe the Sevilla loan has humbled him a bit, and he's realized that the situation at United wasn't the sole cause of his difficulties, and he can't just rely on his talent alone if he wants to reach the top.

Anyway, it's obvious that he's on his absolute last chance here. The club was clearly ready to sell him before the summer, but he's been given a lifeline due to circumstance (Ronaldo wanting out and the Greenwood situation). He's done remarkably well in pre-season, so hopefully he's turned a corner.

You're right about that. I truly hope he has turned a corner. It's also the question of what came first like the chicken or the egg, or in this instance, his lacklustre attitude or terrible circumstances around the club. Is he a contributor or a victim? Martial has always been one of our best players when we've played our best football, but also actually, at times when we've been a bit shit he has found some form so it's hard to tell. Maybe a bit of both and lets say that the new coach wont accept it anymore, so it's good?

 

[Foxbatt]

Martial can hold the ball and make those passes, dribble and head the ball. I would say that ETH is not going to accept anything less than 100% from any player. That means Martial has to perform and importantly Rashford and Sancho have to make those passes if he is in position.

 

[Giggsy13]

I think Martial has had a significant dose of reality the last few years. He and his agent probably thought that a Sevilla loan would give him the platform to sign for another big club but he failed so miserably that United seem like his last real chance to make it at a big club.

 

[Frank Grimes]

If Ronaldo stays can see Martial angling for a move, especially if Juve rumours are true.

 

[Santoryo]

I forgot how skilled Martial is sometimes. His form under Ole in his first full year was amazing. Not only his goals which he had his highest for United that season(23 goals) but his general play, link up, touch, holding up the ball and making that front 3 of him, Rashford and Greenwood stick, smooth and seamless. Hopefully Ten Hag brings the best out of him. Signs already there in pre season.

You can criticize Martial of many things but one thing consistent with him when he's motivated and playing well is that he makes his teammates better. That front 3 of him, Greenwood and Rashford under Ole clicked largely because of him and we're seeing good signs of him, Sancho and Rashford doing the same. Dude is a skilled baller. Fingers crossed Ten Hag brings the best out of him and all the motivation he'll need to have peak Martial. Also hope for fewer injuries which did him badly last season.

 

[Olecurls99]

Playing well. Such a great out ball in this form. The ball sticks to him and then he brings players into play. Let's go Tony

 

[Adisa]

His workrate is exceptional. Is this Martial?

 

[macheda14]

Playing well. Such a great out ball in this form. The ball sticks to him and then he brings players into play. Let's go Tony

When he's on top form he is one of my favourite players to watch. I'm not holding my breath but if Ten Hag gets him playing at a consistent high level then we're on to something good.

 

[Member 101269]

His workrate is exceptional. Is this Martial?

You cannot tell? he's been wasteful, that missing end product which is why he'll never be good enough

 

[bosnian_red]

Pace, strength, intensity all better than I've ever seen them with him. Just looks fit again. Hopefully he doesn't pick up an injury early as that's when it starts going down hill from him. Great work rate and you know the quality is there. Should've scored, but nobody takes every chance it's fine.

 

[Pronewbie]

You cannot tell? he's been wasteful, that missing end product which is why he'll never be good enough

Agreed that he's not good enough to rely on consistently as a starter over the course of a season. His lack of anticipation is a fatal flaw.

 

[Red Shorts]

You cannot tell? he's been wasteful, that missing end product which is why he'll never be good enough

He's one of the best finishers at the club...

 

[Member 101269]

He's one of the best finishers at the club...

We know the squad was lacking quality, thank you for the reminder

 

[Red Shorts]

We know the squad was lacking quality, thank you for the reminder

Never will be good enough, ok let's revisit in 7 months about this missing end product yeah?

 

[Hernandez - BFA]

I think let’s sell him while his stock is at an all time high after his pre-season.

 

[Yagami]

You see what we lose with him out. Those line-breaking passes to the CF only stick with him there. No one else can simultaneously control them and hold off the pressing defender.

 

[Member 101269]

Never will be good enough, ok let's revisit in 7 months about this missing end product yeah?

More than happy to discuss his career

 

[Red Shorts]

More than happy to discuss his career

Past is the past, keep sitting in it pal, sounds like a miserable life to me

 

[Member 101269]

Past is the past, keep sitting in it pal, sounds like a miserable life to me

I think I should remind you of your last comment

Never will be good enough, ok let's revisit in 7 months about this missing end product yeah?

wouldn't that be visiting the past?

it seems to me to you're happy using the past, while living in hope.

miserable? no realism.

 

[JeffFromHK]

He and Rashford, in their best form, are never prolific goal scorers that give you 30 goals a season
We will be screwed if our front 3 are Rashford - Martial - Elanga, that is never a top 4 quality front 3

 

[UnitedRepublic]

Elanga doing to much on the ball today that wasn’t coming off , Bruno missplacing every pass and not releasing it early aswell. No service at all can’t be blamed everything he could on the ball but missed a sitter early in the game.

Either way when he’s on the ball he doesn’t do much wrong at all.

 

[marc1_007]

He and Rashford, in their best form, are never prolific goal scorers that give you 30 goals a season
We will be screwed if our front 3 are Rashford - Martial - Elanga, that is never a top 4 quality front 3

Rashford is a scorer and not a creator, so replace Rashford with a player like Antony or someone like a Mousa Diaby and the goals will flow because that is a high level of unselfishness, also definitely replace Bruno with Erikson and the creativity in that will be ridiculous

 

[Santoryo]

Biggest problem with Martial the last few years has been his fitness. He hasn't managed to stay fit consistently which has also impacted his game. Even at Sevilla he started well then got injured and never bounced back. Even in this game he got hurt and I don't expect him to stay fit throughout the season. He needs to look at the way he trains or something to increase his fitness otherwise he'll keep having injury setbacks.

 

[JeffFromHK]

Rashford is a scorer and not a creator, so replace Rashford with a player like Antony or someone like a Mousa Diaby and the goals will flow because that is a high level of unselfishness, also definitely replace Bruno with Erikson and the creativity in that will be ridiculous

Rashford is a 2nd tier goal scorer. Make him your lone striker, he can give you 20 non penalty goals in total all comps at best.

 

[MadDogg]

Martial was really good in the first half. Unfortunately didn't score that fairly good chance, but all strikers miss some chances.

Second half he drifted out of the game though. Hopefully the injury was nothing serious and he's fine for next weekend.

 

[Red Shorts]

I think I should remind you of your last comment



wouldn't that be visiting the past?

it seems to me to you're happy using the past, while living in hope.

miserable? no realism.

Ok what's the fix then? Bored of people complaining about problems yet providing no solutions. Who solves our problems?