Player Focus: Unsettled United Frontline Affecting Martial

Deemed a waste of money by some upon his arrival at Manchester United, Anthony Martial quickly set about proving his critics wrong. The teenage France international injected some much-needed purpose into a United attack that appeared stale in the opening games of the season following his £36m switch from Monaco, making him the most expensive teenager in football. He rapidly endeared himself to the fans, netting a fine individual effort in the 3-1 win over rivals Liverpool back in September, 21 minutes after coming off the bench. 

Martial followed that up with a brace and an assist in respective victories over Southampton and Sunderland. It appeared the ideal match for both player and club. United required a direct attacking threat with Robin van Persie and Falcao departing Old Trafford for Fenerbache and Chelsea respectively, and Martial seemed the right man to maximise the chances he was presented by those operating behind him. 

Given only West Brom (92) and Newcastle (102) have played fewer key passes than United (107) in the Premier League this season, Martial’s ruthless efficiency in front of goal was required in his opening games for United. The 19-year-old netted three goals from just three shots on target in his opening three league appearances and registered an assist from just one of two key passes. Of the nine goals United scored in the three games Martial was involved in immediately after his transfer, the France international had a direct hand in four. 

His blistering start to life in Manchester saw him gain a WhoScored rating of 8.07 as Martial led the attack with aplomb. However, in his six Premier League appearances since, the former Monaco star has struggled. Martial hasn’t been involved in a United goal in the Premier League in his last 583 minutes of action in England’s top flight, despite mustering six shots on goal and laying on a further seven key passes. As such, his rating in the subsequent six games has dropped to 7.08, not necessarily a poor return by any stretch of the imagination, but a negative drop of 0.99 is a slight concern. 

Part of the reason for this has been the continuous rotation of the attack line. Louis van Gaal effectively shot himself in the foot by making Wayne Rooney captain, meaning the United boss is under more pressure to pick the England international, regardless of his indifferent form. It seems Rooney will always be selected by Van Gaal, injury or suspension permitting, which is having an adverse effect on Martial’s development. It’s no coincidence that his dip in performances have coincided with a need to shift him across the frontline, highlighted in that of his last six appearances, only three have come as a centre forward. 

Having been deployed on the left flank, switching between the two positions means Martial has struggled to maintain a level of consistency for United of late. An advantage when operating out wide, though, is that the attacker is handed the chance to maximise his statistically calculated WhoScored strength of ‘dribbling’. Martial has averaged more successful dribbles per game (3.7) in his last six league appearances than he did his opening three (2.3). The former figure is the best of all United players over that time, highlighting Martial’s impressive ability to carry possession forward. 

Of course, being deployed on the left helped that figure increase, with Martial granted more space out wide to utilise his dribbling ability. Yet, his constant redeployment across the attack by Van Gaal means he is yet to build on his stunning start to life in England. The Dutchman’s conservative tactics have limited the United attack, meaning the current side are unable to properly express themselves in the final third. While the title hopefuls are more defensively sound as a result, the entertainment value has diminished. 

It’s no shock to see United feature so low in terms of chances created this season, with the players fearful of sacrificing possession and regimented into their roles by Van Gaal. The lack of fluidity in the final third is damaging the club’s chances of securing domestic glory and while they have been able to scrape positive results since the opening day win over Spurs, the offensive side of their game needs to improve. 

Martial’s return to form is crucial to that coming to fruition. The goals and assists may have dried up in the league, but the youngster is still a positive for his club in attack. Only Kingsley Coman (7.69) has gained a better WhoScored rating of all teenagers in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season than Martial (7.41), reinforcing just how quickly he has settled in England. With Rooney also sidelined for the next two games, it provides the summer arrival with the opportunity to return to his favoured position and get back among the goals. 

United and their supporters needn’t be too concerned about a minor dip in form, though if this barren spell continues, questions will begin to be asked. Up against a West Ham side that has shipped six goals in their last two away league games this coming weekend, however, Martial is presented with the chance to rediscover his goalscoring touch.

Will Anthony Martial rediscover his goalscoring touch when Manchester United host West Ham on Saturday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below