Manchester United’s Success Will Depend On Anthony Martial’s Availability

With Manchester United terminating their contract with Cristiano Ronaldo during the World Cup, it has left Erik Ten Hag with only recognised centre forward to see him through until the end of the season.

A replacement might be brought in during the January transfer window, which will more than likely be PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo, but there is no guarantee that this deal comes to fruition, especially given the interest shown by Liverpool in him.

It has left Ten Hag in a perilous situation where the Dutch manager is hoping for a fully fit Anthony Martial to lead the line indefinitely. So far, the Frenchman has been a ghost-like figure at Manchester United this season, due to his poor injury record and lack of game time.

Back fit again and in the team to play against Burnley in the EFL Cup, in which they won, Martial has the platform he has always wanted: to be Manchester United’s recognised centre forward.

It is a huge task but, more so, a huge opportunity for Martial to finally fulfil his potential and become the player the fans know he can be. There was a reason why the Red Devils laid out £50 million for him back in 2015; and while he has shown, in glimpses, why that was the case, it is time for him to produce the goods on a regular basis.

Not many would have predicted Martial’s trajectory turning out in this manner, especially with the France international going on-loan last season to Sevilla, where he famously struggled and ultimately wasn’t bought by the Spanish side.

With no attractive offers in the summer and Ten Hag’s arrival, Martial stayed put and looked effervescent on their pre-season tour to Australia and Asia.

It has been made clear that when Martial is in the team, players around him look better for it. There is far more synergy and competence in the forward line with Martial spearheading the attack than when he is absent.

Against Liverpool, in his 45 minute appearance, Martial played a hugely important part in keeping the ball high up the pitch and playing others in off him. He created one of Marcus Rashford’s goal and did a sterling job. But as luck has gone against him, he found himself on the treatment table once more, missing crucial games.

The Red Devils will do their utmost in agreeing a fee with PSV to bring Gakpo into the fold, but there is nothing certain about his arrival in the January market. Regardless of the outcome of their pursuit, Martial needs to hold the weight on his shoulders and rise to the occasion in order to deliver for Ten Hag.

As seen against Burnley in Manchester United’s first game back since mid-November, Martial’s link-up play with his other forwards is something to behold. A striker that is selfless when the time is right, but also able to have the awareness of when to go alone and create something for himself.

Now, more than ever, do Manchester United need Martial to become the player he was promised to be. Time will tell whether he can deliver on it, but Ten Hag will be hoping for a Christmas miracle.