Anthony Martial’s debut: Knee-jerk reaction can beat scepticism on this occasion

Samuel Corney
Twitter: @Corney1Sam   


Anthony Martial celebrates his debut goal vs. Liverpool

Predictably, social media has erupted with the fairy-tale debut of Anthony Martial. Whilst some are in joyful abandon, there are many calling for people to calm down, pointing to the fact we have only see him touch the ball a handful of times and also citing the number of debut stars who went on to flop dismally. Manchester United themselves had a prime example in Federico Macheda who was a perfect example of such a case and a cautionary warning to remain grounded. The superb goal by Martial ensured victory vs. Liverpool, moments after Christian Benteke threatened a Liverpool comeback with a brilliant and spectacular overhead kick. With United struggling to score goals in the Premier League this season, scoring three second half goals against their bitter rivals yesterday, with Martial rounding it off, is cause for major relief and celebration for United fans.

   The most exciting aspect of Anthony Martial’s goal, is however, the implication is has for Manchester United for the future, rather than the victory yesterday.  The goal can give genuine promise for United’s attack for the rest of the season. Martial’s goal is very different to Macheda’s against Aston Villa all those years ago because it was more than just hitting a sweet shot. Martial twisted and turned Martin Skrtel before drifting inside Nathanial Clyne and then finishing accurately. It was an action that required firstly the confidence to take an experienced defender on and then needed pace, control in tight spaces, technique and composure to succeed. United’s attack has missed those types of attributes combined for a long time, especially swift and direct running. Of course we need more time to assess this teenager’s real ability, but not every player can score that type of goal or even attempt to and United clearly possess a more multi-lateral attack with him in the side. Everything has been in front of the opposition defences this season, controlled and neat passing creating half-chances without truly penetrating, and when they have, Wayne Rooney has been hesitant to shoot. Not many argue Rooney should play in midfield, but neither should he be United’s main out and out striker. When he returns to fitness, the combination between his and Martial’s style of play could be extremely profitable, especially if he is played in the number ten role, where his vision and laser passing will benefit the pace of the French teenager.
   Anthony Martial only touched the ball a couple of times before that magic moment, and some of van Gaal’s statements make it sound like Martial may play a bigger role in subsequent seasons rather than this one. In any case teenage footballers tend to be erratic; Martial could easily be a frustration as he could a success this season, and so I fully understand those who call for patience. A goal of that manner against Liverpool on his debut is the perfect way to start though, and displays a direct and pacey way of creating chances that United have not shown so far in the league. That is why the goal can give United fans so much optimism. The sheer impudence to try it and the talent to execute it means that on this occasion the public have reason to get well and truly over-excited.

 

 

 

*Image obtained from the 'Independent'

http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article10498394.ece/alternates/w620/martial2.jpg