When Anthony Martial raised the roofing system off Old Trafford on September 12 2015 with a spectacular match-clinching objective versus bitter competitors Liverpool he made cult-status among fans.
More than 5 years on, though, remarkably the 25-year-old Frenchman isn’t enjoyed by everybody at Manchester United.
There’s no questioning when Martial runs hot he’s as unsafe as they come, huge speed, moving motion and fast feet.
However there are plenty who think he blows cold far frequently.
His most current 2 objectives – both wonderfully performed – followed climbing up off the bench in the 9-0 thrashing of Southampton.
It took his total tally to 72 objectives in 186 video games for United– a ratio much better than an objective every 3 video games.
(Image: Manchester United by means of Getty Imag)
Yet still, Martial divides viewpoint more than any striker on the Old Trafford payroll.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees Martial as a number 9, down-the-middle centre forward.
Or he did till Edinson Cavani can be found in and demonstrated how the function ought to ACTUALLY be played.
Martial changed from large delegated centre forward last season and had excellent success, scoring 23 objectives in 48 video games.
However Cavani is showing he has a various level of proficiency over the position after developing his abilities at Napoli and Paris St Germain where the objectives streamed.
There’s a clamour for Solskjaer to make the Uruguayan his very first option main striker and when he carries out as he did versus the unlucky Saints couple of can argue that he’s got the dive on Martial.
Cavani, who turns 34 on Valentines Day later on this month, isn’t precisely one for the future and if the United employer wishes to use him appropriately that indicates being a very first option starter.
If Martial feels threatened by Cavani’s experience and know-how at number 9 and steps up his efficiency that can just be a win-win for Solskjaer.
Particularly with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood progressing in their favoured positions large on the left and best flanks in advance.
(Image: AFP by means of Getty Images)
Longer term though is Martial the future at centre-forward post Cavani?
If United wish to close the space completely on Manchester City and Liverpool can Solskjaer pay for to bet on the Frenchman at number 9?
It’s an issue that barely appears a top priority in the after-effects of a spectacular 9-0 damage of a Premier League challenger.
However from the minute he took the task, steely-eyed Solskjaer– no longer the baby-faced assassin – has actually been preparing for success.
Which’s why the whisper inside Old Trafford is that Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland is STILL the striker Solskjaer wishes to sign– even above PSG leaflet Kylian Mbappe.
Some may state that’s extreme on Martial who might turn into the number 9 function offered time.
However in the pursuit of success there’s never ever space for belief.
And Solskjaer understands everything about that from his days under famous, however callous, United employer Sir Alex Ferguson.
