Player Analysis: Anthony Martial

Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, Manchester United have struggled to find a center forward with the ability and consistency to lead the line for an extended period of time. Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney played leading roles in United's 2012/13 Premier League title conquest, but both players found themselves on the physical decline after 2013. Zlatan Ibrahimović and Romelu Lukaku have shown glimpses of their world-class ability, but they too were ousted after a short spell at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have endured a managerial merry-go-round since Ferguson's departure, with David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and José Mourinho all desiring different types of strikers to suit their different systems. Current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has settled on starting Anthony Martial up front in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

The Frenchman was signed by van Gaal as a 19-year-old from AS Monaco for an initial £36 million on deadline day in 2015, which made him the most expensive teenager at the time. The high price tag came with good reason as he was dubbed the ‘next Thierry Henry’ – a moniker that he has yet to live up to. However in the 2019/20 season, the now 24-year-old demonstrated real versatility and has improved to a level such that he is now an integral member of the starting line-up.

Strengths