Anthony Martial is set for a career goal scoring season at Old Trafford. Despite being criticised and left on the chopping block by manager Jose Mourinho more than once, Martial has proven himself as one of Manchester United’s best players this term.
The French winger leads Manchester United in goals with six this term. Despite playing just nine times in the Premier League, he has found the back of the net with consistency. Martial’s previous high of 11 Premier League goals is on pace to be shattered.
Martial arrived from Monaco for an initial £54 million in 2015. Bought to be part of Manchester United’s future, Martial has failed to impress Mourinho since the Portuguese coach arrived. However, Martial’s form has been rightfully praised this term by the manager. Mourinho has stated Martial can even become a great player at Manchester United.
The Frenchman is now in the last season of his contract, although there is a club option available. Due to Martial’s great form, Manchester United are desperate to tie him down to a new long-term deal.
Martial was expected to leave last summer with Tottenham being the most rumoured destination for him. Manchester United’s January signing of Alexis Sanchez encouraged Martial’s summer desire to leave. The Chilean was initially preferred over Martial. However, Martial has unseated Sanchez this term, proving Manchester United already had the creative, goalscoring winger they needed prior to signing Sanchez.
While Martial does have six goals in nine Premier League matches, the Frenchman has failed to register an assist. That can be put down to Manchester United’s poor finishing this term. Manchester United have scored 20 goals with just 14 coming from players other than Martial. Romelu Lukaku, who has been out of form and missed Manchester United’s recent matches due to injury, has recorded four goals. Martial has accounted for 30 percent of Manchester United’s scoring this term.
Martial is proving his worth at Old Trafford and Manchester United now need to tie him down for the long-term. Although talks are taking place between the club and Martial’s representative, there is no guarantee the Frenchman will stay for the future.
Does Manchester United have to re-sign Anthony Martial for future success?