Anthony Martial

Lash said:

He was visibly annoyed when the half time whistle went for missing that chance,

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He had two other possibles after the great goal he scored.

First from the Rashford cross when he read the flight of the ball but so did the defender and just ran out of room to make contact before it dropped. He is not going to go for that with his head like an old fashioned centre forward. That is an Andy Carrol or Diego Costa type of goal.

The second chance he got to the ball first and he seemed to take a touch but the ball stayed where it was. It looks as though the defender just got a foot to it or it could have got stuck in the turf. So could not do much in that instance as momentum carried him forward without the ball.

He was my MOM because his hold up play and movement were excellent. He and Rashord are building a great understanding. They are starting too look for each other which is going to pay dividends.

Overall a decent game and he took his goal well but I was disappointed with his touch and control yesterday. Tacked by an opposition player 4 times and lost the ball via a bad touch 6 times. In both cases that was double the next worst offender on our team.

It was actually kind of a Lukaku performance now that I think about it. Looks great when scoring but other times you think he's about to get a chance and then treads on the ball or something.

Still 2 goals in 2 games is a good start to the season and we have some easier fixtures now for him to keep it going.

Not brilliant other than the goal. Very sloppy at times. Felt as if he was quite wasteful when in the box, not in terms of finishing - but in the sense of creating space etc.

Still, he’s got 2 in 2. Hopefully he’ll keep improving while scoring as a nine.

settembrini said:

Overall a decent game and he took his goal well but I was disappointed with his touch and control yesterday. Tacked by an opposition player 4 times and lost the ball via a bad touch 6 times. In both cases that was double the next worst offender on our team.

It was actually kind of a Lukaku performance now that I think about it. Looks great when scoring but other times you think he's about to get a chance and then treads on the ball or something.

Still 2 goals in 2 games is a good start to the season and we have some easier fixtures now for him to keep it going.

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His hold up and link up play yesterday were exellent, he lost the ball a few times because he was working in an area of the pitch where there were 6 opposition players pretty much on top of him.

AltiUn said:

Fully agree with this, he's one of those players who'll have bursts of good form but we have to have a little patience when he's in his barren spells as history has shown us he is capable of delivering. I think in general he's looking a more rounded player, his movement and pressing are both coming along better. As a 9 he probably won't get to run at players as often but having him in front of goal more often with his finishing ability is the right way to go.

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Although his passing isn't that remarkable, what has impressed me the most is his hold up play. He can be up against a tall centre back and manage to win the duel by receiving the ball at his feet, it really gives us another approach to attacking.

He's doing well. Hopefully he can score consistently. His finishing is superb.

Wade3 said:

If anything, poaching has been a part of the game that desperately needed to improve.

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He's a great poacher. He was just never allowed to do it for us. Look at his first few games for us, he was performing very well as a #9.

Raven said:

His hold up and link up play yesterday were exellent, he lost the ball a few times because he was working in an area of the pitch where there were 6 opposition players pretty much on top of him.

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Yep. Expecting him not to have turn overs in the area of the pitch he played in is just setting oneself for disappointment.

Playing in the final third or with 2 or 3 players always close and tight to you means the player is gonna lose the ball quite a few times. He was also tasked with bringing the play in and his hold up play was pretty good. Naturally he lost some balls but that should have been expected.

Martial is both the most clinical footballer we have and the most "I will feck this up in a really bizarre way that you hadn't anticipated" footballer we have.

We didnt say he should play at #9 for nothing. Give him a proper run he produces the goods it's that simple. not one game here, bench one game here and LW touchline winger nonsense in the next one.

Top drawer finish for the goal; left foot, first time, bang, top corner

I wanted him to also hit first time the chance just before half time, to be fair with better luck he would have easily controlled it and rounded the keeper. Either way that's one for experience. Excited to watch his progress at 9 this season, he's really up for it and it's great to see. Martial FC likely with a feasting season ahead..

My MOTM - the goal was a real quality shot with zero backlift, he showed good understanding with Marcus and pressed like I've never seen him do before. Really good performance.

Scored the goal and flicked a pass under pressure to Pogba for the penalty, so involved in the two game defining moments we had. Play him as a striker consistently and he will deliver.

His movement during some of the patterns of play was borderline world class, it's a shame our midfield is so weak because the forwards will keep having to drop off to pick the ball up but Anthony is comfortably the best striker at this club.

Think he'll get 20+. Has always shown that when played consistently, he scores.

passing-wind said:

His movement during some of the patterns of play was borderline world class, it's a shame our midfield is so weak because the forwards will keep having to drop off to pick the ball up but Anthony is comfortably the best striker at this club.

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Shhh you can't complement his movement. As @haram kindly pointed out when I tried to do the same, no one takes these posts seriously anymore!

Martial seems to be showing real signs of progress this season long it may continue and Solskjær using him as s striker gives me confidence that he does know what he is doing , he has right ideas hopefully we make top 4 comfortably and win a trophy with enough progression as a team so that he is given enough time and backing to make us challenger for big trophies it's been a while now.

Good read for those who have a sub

https://theathletic.co.uk/1146842/2...nited-no-9-shirt-back-and-is-ready-to-thrive/

By the way why are his thread's rating low relatively speaking, especially compared to what is given to other front 4 players. Only Lingard's rating is lower than his. I'd say he's been the best attacking player so far.

Santoryo said:

By the way why are his thread's rating low relatively speaking, especially compared to what is given to other front 4 players. Only Lingard's rating is lower than his. I'd say he's been the best attacking player so far.

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It's just 2 games.

Rashford - 7.8
Martial - 7
Lingard - 6.2
James - 7.1
Pereira - 5.9

Looks fine to me except James who has higher rating than Martial. But then again it's just 2 games.

Rashford has been the best attacker, played big role in 4 out of 5 goals scored.

Edit: Player ratings are not updated.

Daily reminder that martial plays for us

roonster09 said:

It's just 2 games.

Rashford - 7.8
Martial - 7
Lingard - 6.2
James - 7.1
Pereira - 5.9

Looks fine to me except James who has higher rating than Martial. But then again it's just 2 games.

Rashford has been the best attacker, played big role in 4 out of 5 goals scored.

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2 games where he scored and played well. The day he put in an average performance his ratings are gonna hit 6.0 easily in the blink of an eye. Also Rashford isn't 7.8 to 7.0 Martial performance wise regardless of who you think has been better so far.

The way I see it players who have put in good performances got rightly given kind and very high rating but Martial for some reasons. If he's struggling to get kind high rating this early(2 games in) despite good performances when the mood is still good then he's in for one hell of a drop once he actually put in an average performance.

roonster09 said:

It's just 2 games.

Rashford - 7.8
Martial - 7
Lingard - 6.2
James - 7.1
Pereira - 5.9

Looks fine to me except James who has higher rating than Martial. But then again it's just 2 games.

Rashford has been the best attacker, played big role in 4 out of 5 goals scored.

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I disagree I think Martial has been the stand out front 4 player. Martial has been involved in 5 out of 5 goals scored and has yet to be subbed so he must be doing pretty much everything asked of him.

I think every time Rashford does anything good it is magnified/upgraded because he is English. If you look at the Manchester Evening News they even have him as the 2nd most powerful player in the club. It is just ridiculous. I am English and I can clearly see that whilst Martial is better technically, Rashford works very hard and they BOTH have a similar level of potential. Both could be world class. Some seem to struggle getting behind Martial in case it effects Rashford's chances of reaching that level. It won't. Neither has to be the main man - we don't need one. Look at Man City/Liverpool - their main man changes on a weekly basis. The more WC level players we have the better in my opinion.

Santoryo said:

2 games where he scored and played well. The day he put in an average performance his ratings are gonna hit 6.0 easily in the blink of an eye. Also Rashford isn't 7.8 to 7.0 Martial performance wise regardless of who you think has been better so far.

The way I see it players who have put in good performances got rightly given kind and very high rating but Martial for some reasons. If he's struggling to get kind high rating this early(2 games in) despite good performances when the mood is still good then he's in for one hell of a drop once he actually put in an average performance.

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Maybe you are thinking way too much that everyone hates Martial.

Ratings are based on Chelsea game, Wolves game is not updated. When it does, then Martial will be top rated player with 7, Rashford with 6.9.

Rashford also played well. He played part in 3 out of 4 goals vs Chelsea, assisted Martial's goal vs Wolves. He was rightly rated at 7.8 after Chelsea game. I assumed it would be even higher.

Apart from De Gea, I don't remember any player having averaging 7 for the season.

K13 said:

I disagree I think Martial has been the stand out front 4 player. Martial has been involved in 5 out of 5 goals scored and has yet to be subbed so he must be doing pretty much everything asked of him.

I think every time Rashford does anything good it is magnified/upgraded because he is English. If you look at the Manchester Evening News they even have him as the 2nd most powerful player in the club. It is just ridiculous. I am English and I can clearly see that whilst Martial is better technically, Rashford works very hard and they BOTH have a similar level of potential. Both could be world class. Some seem to struggle getting behind Martial in case it effects Rashford's chances of reaching that level. It won't. Neither has to be the main man - we don't need one. Look at Man City/Liverpool - their main man changes on a weekly basis. The more WC level players we have the better in my opinion.

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Ratings are not updated.

How did Martial involve in 5/5 goals? He played no part in winning penalty, he played no part in Pogba's pass to Rashford. He played small part by flicking the ball near half way line, after that it was all Pogba's work.

Also save the English bs. Go and read Rashford's thread, he gets way too much criticism. I don't remember anyone calling Martial as championship player or comparing him to Welbeck, Rashford gets those regularly.

roonster09 said:

Ratings are not updated.

How did Martial involve in 5/5 goals? He played no part in winning penalty, he played no part in Pogba's pass to Rashford. He played small part by flicking the ball near half way line, after that it was all Pogba's work.

Also save the English bs. Go and read Rashford's thread, he gets way too much criticism. I don't remember anyone calling Martial as championship player or comparing him to Welbeck, Rashford gets those regularly.

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Winning penalty .. it was his fantastic angle pass that drew the foul on LIngard. We have not had anyone play balls like that since Yorke. A ball between the lines that causes all type of problems.
Pogba's pass to Rashford - he drew the foul, pulling defenders away and that created the space.
Small flick was actually class. He had a player on his back guarding the channel Pogba needed to get through so he took it on his right peg, pulling the defender out and then was able to twist and play a perfectly weighted ball into the path of an accelerating player which gave Pogba a clear run in space. Fantastic from both but to say it was just a flick is definitely downgrading that bit of magic. Not seen that type of play since cantona.

Call it BS or whatever language you choose to use but surely the criticism of Rashford rather makes my point. We over hype him and then crush him. There is no middle ground. The press play their part. He is a potentially world class player. If he is to fulfill that sometimes I think the press need to back off and we need to show some understanding as fans.

roonster09 said:

Ratings are not updated.

How did Martial involve in 5/5 goals? He played no part in winning penalty, he played no part in Pogba's pass to Rashford. He played small part by flicking the ball near half way line, after that it was all Pogba's work.

Also save the English bs. Go and read Rashford's thread, he gets way too much criticism. I don't remember anyone calling Martial as championship player or comparing him to Welbeck, Rashford gets those regularly.

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He actually did play a part in Pogba winning that penalty. Also quite odd how you'd be quick to downplay a contribution and start labeling it a small part. Playing a part is still playing a part.

I don't even know why this observation bothers you so much.

K13 said:

Winning penalty .. it was his fantastic angle pass that drew the foul on LIngard. We have not had anyone play balls like that since Yorke. A ball between the lines that causes all type of problems.
Pogba's pass to Rashford - he drew the foul, pulling defenders away and that created the space.
Small flick was actually class. He had a player on his back guarding the channel Pogba needed to get through so he took it on his right peg, pulling the defender out and then was able to twist and play a perfectly weighted ball into the path of an accelerating player which gave Pogba a clear run in space. Fantastic from both but to say it was just a flick is definitely downgrading that bit of magic. Not seen that type of play since cantona.

Call it BS or whatever language you choose to use but surely the criticism of Rashford rather makes my point. We over hype him and then crush him. There is no middle ground. The press play their part. He is a potentially world class player. If he is to fulfill that sometimes I think the press need to back off and we need to show some understanding as fans.

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So you are naming some remote isolated incident to say he played part in 5/5 goals, which doesn't make sense to me. If we track back then we can credit few of the goals to Lingard as he passed the ball before it reached the attacker. Rahsford played big role in 4 out of 5 goals. Scored 2, assisted 1 and then made a driving run carrying the ball from defensive third to attacking third, which created Martial's goal.

I agree with your point that there is middle ground but the the point that "everything Rashford does is magnified because he is English" is just nonsense considering how much he gets shit on caf.

Santoryo said:

He actually did play a part in Pogba winning that penalty. Also quite odd how you'd be quick to downplay a contribution and start labeling it a small part. Playing a part is still playing a part.

I don't even know why this observation bothers you so much.

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Man for you anyone who doesn't say "Martial is the greatest" is like playing down Martial. Out of nowhere started some random thing like how Martial is not highly rated when once the rating are updated, he will be the highest rated attacker. Now saying Martial played small part in flicking the ball to Pogba at half way line means the observation bothers me.

I was talking about Rashford winning penalty, Pogba winning penalty didn't end up as goal. Argument was contribution to the goal.

Weren't you the one who laughed at Lingard for saying pre assist or something? Now playing part means playing part.

Santoryo said:

So what about the pre pre assist then? We just can't leave those stats out. Those might give a chance to get DeGea on the list


So if we're gonna take the pre assist stats seriously, and going by the stats you show then it means Lingard is on fire given is already on 3 pre assists while your list have the highest pre assister last season on 7 total.

Signs for Lingard topping the stats this season.

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Santoryo said:

One when he passed Pogba before he sent that long ball to Rashford and the other when Rashford overhit the pass on the counter, Lingard recollected it and passed it to Perreira who then curled in a cross to Martial.

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From these posts on Lingard to hyping up Martial for making up space and playing part at half way line.

roonster09 said:

So you are naming some remote isolated incident to say he played part in 5/5 goals, which doesn't make sense to me. If we track back then we can credit few of the goals to Lingard as he passed the ball before it reached the attacker. Rahsford played big role in 4 out of 5 goals. Scored 2, assisted 1 and then made a driving run carrying the ball from defensive third to attacking third, which created Martial's goal.

I agree with your point that there is middle ground but the the point that "everything Rashford does is magnified because he is English" is just nonsense considering how much he gets shit on caf.

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You tell me that I am overplaying Martial's role and then you do exactly the same by over playing Rashford's role.

When did Rasfhford 'and then made a driving run carrying the ball from defensive third to attacking third, which created Martial's goal.'?

He made a brilliant run from the left against Chelsea to score a very good goal but that was in that attacking third.

Martial' first came against Chelsea at the near post after Rashford neglected to play him in. He carried the ball too far and did not have his head up - something Ole mentioned in his post match interview when he said the ball should have come in sooner. Does not matter as we got there in the end. Rashford's second option whilst not as good as the first got us where we needed to be as a quality ball came in from Pereira. Congrats all around.

Martial's second against Wolves - was good work by a number of players - Shaw, Lingard and Pogba and then finally Rashford played a lovely weighted ball into the channel so Martial could strike it first time.

It is a team game - so why do we always feel the need to have a Roy of the Rovers star? It seems to sell papers but as a fan I could not care less who does what. They all have different skills and all bring something to the game and so the constant hyping up of one player is just needless. Man Utd as the biggest club in the world need another English figurehead. Scholes was never interested but Beckham was so he got loads of coverage and the same is happening with Rashford. I personally want him wrapped up in cotton wool and kept away from the press - because it does filter through to the players via negative feedback when things go wrong.

My dream scenario(an hopeful one for now) is to have Gomes somehow ready for first team football and occupy that 10 role which will add creativity into the team. He's shown passing range vision and creativity worth of a great number 10 but that's in the youth rank and it would probably take him time to adapt to Pl level and pace.

Though if he were to work out, it'll be beneficial to Martial given there will be added creativity. Also in the Wolves game Rashford has shown willingness to release the ball in dangerous area and made far better situation than usual(he created 2 chances for Martial). So ideally a ready made Gomes and Rashford creating chances for Martial is what could be happening.

Also since pre season, Martial pressing has been consistent as well as his workrate. His distance covered stats should see a big increase this year.

K13 said:

You tell me that I am overplaying Martial's role and then you do exactly the same by over playing Rashford's role.

When did Rasfhford 'and then made a driving run carrying the ball from defensive third to attacking third, which created Martial's goal.'?

He made a brilliant run from the left against Chelsea to score a very good goal but that was in that attacking third.

Martial' first came against Chelsea at the near post after Rashford neglected to play him in. He carried the ball too far and did not have his head up - something Ole mentioned in his post match interview when he said the ball should have come in sooner. Does not matter as we got there in the end. Rashford's second option whilst not as good as the first got us where we needed to be as a quality ball came in from Pereira. Congrats all around.

Martial's second against Wolves - was good work by a number of players - Shaw, Lingard and Pogba and then finally Rashford played a lovely weighted ball into the channel so Martial could strike it first time.

It is a team game - so why do we always feel the need to have a Roy of the Rovers star? It seems to sell papers but as a fan I could not care less who does what. They all have different skills and all bring something to the game and so the constant hyping up of one player is just needless. Man Utd as the biggest club in the world need another English figurehead. Scholes was never interested but Beckham was so he got loads of coverage and the same is happening with Rashford. I personally want him wrapped up in cotton wool and kept away from the press - because it does filter through to the players via negative feedback when things go wrong.

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Go and check Martial's goal, and what role Rashford played.

Re bold part, that's why it's useless to have any arguments. You go on and on about how Martial did something at the half way line before Pogba playing peach of a pass but Rashford's driving run to carry the ball from one box to other should be ignored or tagged with some ridiculous thing.

Also, no. I didn't say we need some star or Rashford as some star. I said Rashford was the most impressive attacker followed by Martial. That's now downplaying anyone. Couldn't care less who is rated how, as long as ManUtd wins.

ManUtd twitter can't shut up about 'Martial FC' but somehow whatever Rashford does is magnified. Just give it a rest and enjoy the game instead of coming up with tinfoil hat stuff.

Hernandez - BFA said:

Not brilliant other than the goal. Very sloppy at times. Felt as if he was quite wasteful when in the box, not in terms of finishing - but in the sense of creating space etc.

Still, he’s got 2 in 2. Hopefully he’ll keep improving while scoring as a nine.

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Not sure what you're on about, he kept finding pockets of space in what is an absurdly compact team to play against. Like that situation where Rashford faked a cross two times before finally crossing it.

Now that I think about it, people have always gone about how Martial couldn't play as a striker because of poor movement and such when in reality that couldn't be further from the truth. The truth of matter simply was most people had/have no idea what Martial's movement as a striker would have been like because he'd never gotten to play there but instead as a left winger where he often choose to start plays when he had the ball to feet.

As a striker, Martial movements are very good and also as demonstrated by the Wolves game he managed to find pocket of spaces in that tight and compact defense.

He has movement, hold up play and link up play to be an ideal striker. And most importantly he is bloody clinical which is the biggest win and attribute you need in your striker.

UncleBob said:

Not sure what you're on about, he kept finding pockets of space in what is an absurdly compact team to play against. Like that situation where Rashford faked a cross two times before finally crossing it.

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I should have been more specific. His movement off the ball as ever was great. But when he had possession of the ball I meant. Couldn’t make the space to actually get any meaningful chance out of it. May have been good defending at times, but a few times I felt as if he took too many touches.

Santoryo said:

Now that I think about it, people have always gone about how Martial couldn't play as a striker because of poor movement and such when in reality that couldn't be further from the truth. The truth of matter simply was most people had/have no idea what Martial's movement as a striker would have been like because he'd never gotten to play there but instead as a left winger where he often choose to start plays when he had the ball to feet.

As a striker, Martial movements are very good and also as demonstrated by the Wolves game he managed to find pocket of spaces in that tight and compact defense.

He has movement, hold up play and link up play to be an ideal striker. And most importantly he is bloody clinical which is the biggest win and attribute you need in your striker.

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I always believed he was a striker and argued for him to be played there. I was received by hostility at the time but i'm glad to see things are looking good at this stage..

settembrini said:

Overall a decent game and he took his goal well but I was disappointed with his touch and control yesterday. Tacked by an opposition player 4 times and lost the ball via a bad touch 6 times. In both cases that was double the next worst offender on our team.

It was actually kind of a Lukaku performance now that I think about it. Looks great when scoring but other times you think he's about to get a chance and then treads on the ball or something.

Still 2 goals in 2 games is a good start to the season and we have some easier fixtures now for him to keep it going.

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Yeah I gave him a 7/10 along with the Caf as he was clearly one of our better players, if not MOTM, but it was by no means a perfect performance.

As you say 2 in 2 is a very nice return and we have to accept he's still working on his game in a position he hasn't played much for us.

roonster09 said:

Go and check Martial's goal, and what role Rashford played.

Re bold part, that's why it's useless to have any arguments. You go on and on about how Martial did something at the half way line before Pogba playing peach of a pass but Rashford's driving run to carry the ball from one box to other should be ignored or tagged with some ridiculous thing.

Also, no. I didn't say we need some star or Rashford as some star. I said Rashford was the most impressive attacker followed by Martial. That's now downplaying anyone. Couldn't care less who is rated how, as long as ManUtd wins.

ManUtd twitter can't shut up about 'Martial FC' but somehow whatever Rashford does is magnified. Just give it a rest and enjoy the game instead of coming up with tinfoil hat stuff.

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You stated that Rashord set up Martial's Chelsea goal and he didn't - Periera did. Rashford played a part. The comment re not playing Martial in earlier is from Ole - the manager. The guy who probably knows more about football than either of us. I say probably because you might be Pep in disguise.

So basically you don't like the Martial hype but I am unclear as to why.

K13 said:

You stated that Rashord set up Martial's Chelsea goal and he didn't - Periera did. Rashford played a part. The comment re not playing Martial in earlier is from Ole - the manager. The guy who probably knows more about football than either of us. I say probably because you might be Pep in disguise.

So basically you don't like the Martial hype but I am unclear as to why.

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Where did I say Rashford set up the goal? I said he played big part in 4 of the 5 goals, including 2 goals, 1 assist and 1 driving run which created Martial goal. Now you are flat out lying.

Again bold part, yeah because I didn't say Martial is the greatest, I'm hater now. Go and check my posts on Martial and how much I defend him against mindless rambling.

Coming up with more nonsense in every next post. First the english thing, flat out lying and then that "i don't like Martial hype'. You sound like a Martial fan boy, which is never a good starting point for any discussion/argument. Praising him for making space somewhere near the half way line and saying he played role in the goal, then downplaying Rashford's run from one box to other, which actually created the goal.

Adnan said:

I always believed he was a striker and argued for him to be played there. I was received by hostility at the time but i'm glad to see things are looking good at this stage..

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Sure? I remember you saying he is better as left side attacker long back (before last season ended and previous seasons).