Monaco forward Anthony Martial became Manchester United’s biggest signing of the summer transfer window yesterday afternoon after joining in a staggering deal reported to be worth £36 million.
After welcoming the world’s most expensive teenager to Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal hailed the new boy’s versatility before suggesting he will be allowed to settle into life in the Premier League:
“Anthony is a naturally talented, young, multi-functional forward with great potential. We have been watching him for a while now and he has developed immensely during his time at AS Monaco. I am delighted he has joined Manchester United as I believe this is the right club for him to continue his development as a young player. He has all the attributes to become a top football player; however we need to give him time to adjust to his new environment and the rhythm of the Premier League.”
The History
Born in Massy (a suburban commune of Paris), Martial cut his teeth at the local youth academy of CO Les Ulis, before earning a big move to Lyon at the age of 14. During his second campaign with their U17 squad, the burgeoning talent amassed a whopping 31 goals in 21 outings, prompting a call-up to the France U17s. Martial made his senior league bow in February 2013 and went on to notch another two substitute appearances over the course of that campaign.
Identifying the untapped potential within the fleet-footed frontman, Monaco recruited Martial in the summer of 2013 for a €5 million fee. Still just 17 years of age, he tallied 11 appearances (eight starts) in the 2013/14 Ligue 1 season, registering two goals and one assist in the process.
Martial initially struggled to cement a regular role for Monaco last term. He featured in the first XI in just two of the first 15 Gameweeks before establishing himself in the second half of the campaign, starting all but six league ties thereafter. Having chalked up an underwhelming haul of one goal and three assists by Gameweek 27, Martial hit a rich vein of form, carding eight goals and one assist in the final 12 rounds of fixtures.
In terms of his involvement beyond Ligue 1, Martial managed two goals in as many starts in the French Cup and a goal scoring cameo in the French League Cup. On the European front, he recorded five starts in the Champions League, claiming an assist during Monaco’s 3-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates
Martial was handed his maiden call-up to France’s senior squad for their upcoming international friendlies against Portugal and Serbia. Since 2013, the precocious youngster has been a regular fixture for the France U21s, notching four goals in 12 appearances.
The Prospects
The 19-year-old – who arrives at Old Trafford on a four-year deal with the option for another year – has drawn comparisons with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry due to his pace, movement and eye for goal. Discussing his role for United, Martial admitted his preferred position is through the middle, though is willing to play wherever Van Gaal fields him:
“Since I was young, people have told me I have the right characteristics to play in England. I’m really keen to develop my game in the English league and prove my worth. He (van Gaal) asked me my preferred position – I’d prefer to play in the centre. He told me I could play in a number of positions. It’s the coach who decides but whatever position I’ll do the best I can.”
Given that a criticism much-levelled at Man United this term has been the glacial speed of their build-up play and a lack of thrust on the counter, Van Gaal might be tempted to explore Martial as a wide option. With Memphis Depay looking nailed-on down the left, the Frenchman could switch to the right, thus affording Juan Mata to take up the central role behind Wayne Rooney. Arguably, Mata – who has so far equalled Rooney and Depay’s combined FPL score of 21 points – could prove the main beneficiary in such a scenario.
Alternatively, the Dutch boss might elect to start the ex-Lyon hit man through the middle – either in the support role or as the lone striker, which would see the out-of-form Rooney shift into the number ten role. Certainly, United’s skipper is struggling to fashion clear-cut chances as the spearhead of their attack, having tallied just eight attempts (three on target) in four starts. With Rooney now in the midst of a ten-match barren spell, such a scenario might better play to his strengths at this stage of his career.
Scrutinising Martial’s underlying statistics from the previous campaign, he racked up goals at a greater frequency (one every 200.4 minutes) than Rooney (251.6), Robin van Persie (221) and Radamel Falcao (341.3). Moreover, his shot accuracy (45.1%) was second only to Van Persie (47.4%), while his conversion rate (17.6%) was considerably better than Man United’s most clinical finisher, Rooney (15.2%).
Ultimately, the magnitude of Martial’s Fantasy appeal will largely be dictated by where Van Gaal intends to field him. Priced at 8.0 and classified as a forward, the rangy Frenchman would leap onto many a watchlist if afforded a central striker role, furnishing us with an enticing alternative to the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Graziano Pelle in that bracket. On the other hand, a role on the flank would likely deter prospective investors from tying up one of their three forward slots.
Even for those managers keen to acquire Martial at this early stage, the Red Devils’ upcoming schedule (LIV, sou, SUN, ARS, eve, MCI) makes for grim reading. Considering that United have managed just three goals, 26 attempts inside the box and three big chances this term, it would take a significant leap of faith to back Martial to flourish over that stretch. The fixtures do take a turn for the better around Gameweek 11, though, allowing the new boy a chance to settle before considering investment.
Further Reference
Anthony Martial Wikipedia Page
