Lots of people have criticized Manchester United’s acquisition of striker Anthony Martial from Monaco. Many referred to the £36 million (which could reach the £50 millions with potential add-ons) Martial signing as a “panic buy.”
Most of the critique has been directed at United for their spending habits. Other critics point to Martial’s inexperience or lack of gaudy statistics. Very few people, if any, had negative things to say about the teenager himself. At least up until now, with former Monaco midfielder John Collins hitting out at him.
Collins is quoted by the Daily Star: “He’ll be put down as a centre forward but he does drift left and right. He’s got pace and he’s got skill but there are question marks over whether he has got the personality and the character.”
No one has really questioned the character and personality of Anthony Martial aside from Collins. Maybe this is just jealousy. Anthony Martial, somewhat obscure a week ago, is now the owner of the third richest contract in club history, and the priciest ever for a teenager in football. Obviously, that’s going to inspire some envy.
Yes, there will be a ton of pressure on Anthony Martial. Expectations are always shy high at United, especially so for expensive players. Not every player can handle a situation like that.
Over time, if Martial lives up to his potential, then this acquisition could look brilliant down the road. This situation is supposed to be “a project” of sorts. The Martial acquisition is probably not one that snap judgments should be made about.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is part of the FOX Sports Engage Network. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. He also appears regularly on numerous talk radio stations all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 the Zone.
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