Anthony Martial had a fantastic first season at Old Trafford, after United brought him over from Monaco on 2015 summer transfer window deadline day. His second season saw a serious slump, but year three has him back on track, and showing tremendous promise. He’s just 21 years old, and it’s clear the Frenchman has a very bright future ahead of him.
Martial and fellow young forward Marcus Rashford have taken turns starting and subbing, with both remaining productive no matter which role they are in. Anthony Martial has been especially prolific in crunch time, scoring big time goals very late in games, and in an interview with the club’s official web channel, MUTV, he said that he’s happy, and explained why.
However Martial freely admits he wants a starting role, as any serious competitor would. It’s only natural that the Frenchman wants to be a full time first teamer and not just a super sub. He was just named United’s October Player of the Month, once again reminding us what a poor hot take that was by Gary Neville, who went out of his way to throw massive shade at him.
“It’s easier to start the game,’ Martial said in an interview with French outlet SFR Sport (transcript Daily Mail). When you come off the bench, the other players are warmed up, they’re totally in the game, and you have to get into it straight away. I prefer to start the game, I have more time to get myself into the game.”
“I have faith in my qualities, and I think the manager has confidence in me, too, so it’s up to me to continue putting in good performances, and if I do that, I think I’ll play a bit more.
“We all prefer to play, even if at United when I come off the bench, I make a difference. I prefer to start games and show what I’m capable of.”
Martial is also back in the France national team side for the next for their upcoming friendly matches against Wales and Germany this international break. He’s made just five starts for United this season, against 11 appearances coming off the bench. He’s scored four times as a sub.
“When you score and you’re a forward, you’re happy. It’s going well. Even though I’m a substitute, I play often. I’ve played three, two games in the Champions League, I play one game in two. It’s going well. I’d like to play more – that’s going to come through my performances.’
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune corporation blogging community Chicago Now.
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