After seven matches of the 2015-16 campaign, Manchester Unite currently sit top of the Premier League table. It’s the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure that the Reds, who have scored nine goals in their last three league games, are at the top of the division and Louis van Gaal will be keen for his side to cement their position in the near future.
Twelve months ago, United fans would have laughed at the idea that Bastian Schweinsteiger and a 19-year-old called Anthony Martial will lead the Red Devils back to the top of the Premier League table but that is almost exactly what has happened. Both players have played a key role throughout the campaign but perhaps Martial’s contributions have attracted that little bit more attention.
Martial has been a breath of fresh air since arriving at Old Trafford last month and the Frenchman made an immediate impact at the Stretford End on his debut against Liverpool. Whilst his goalscoring abilities are obviously welcomed, Martial’s ability to maintain possession and hold the ball up until supporting midfielders arrive is perhaps his greatest trait of all.
It would be foolish to suggest that the 19-year-old is going to go on to score twenty goals this season but he’s certainly going to be a focal point in United’s attack. Martial will get chances and, if he continues to finish opportunities at the current rate, Van Gaal’s men will prosper from his tidy finishing and composed nature in the opposing box.
In a way, Martial is quite similar to Welbeck but appears a much, more rounded player than the former United frontman. While many have tipped Wayne Rooney to flourish and finish as the club’s top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, not according to Coral’s coverage would suggest that Martial, at 14/1, is more likely to win the Golden Boot than Rooney, who is currently a 20/1 shot.
The Frenchman has played an integral role in United’s success and will continue to do so as long as he remains fit and healthy. If nothing else, Martial offers a new dimension in attack and helps to create space for the likes of Juan Mata and Memphis Depay. The 19-year-old is still a raw talent but Van Gaal is an exceptional manager and he will continue to improve under the Dutchman’s guidance.
With over thirty matches remaining, there are still plenty of points to play for. However, if Martial continues to perform at this level, there’s a great chance that United could lift the Premier League title for the first time since 2013.
2 replies on “Will Anthony Martial fire United to the title this season?”
Martial looks the real deal and I can’t see him getting less than twenty goals this season – assuming that he plays regularly.
The title is a possibility if only because the quality at the top is not as great as it has been in previous years.
I like Anthony Martial, he looks the real deal. Some were very quick to write him off but if he maintains this level of form throughout the remainder of the season then we could be on for a good year!