Manchester United should pursue an Anthony Martial loan deal
By Marcel Dumas
Less than a year ago, Anthony Martial was a cornerstone piece for the future of Manchester United. Now, his future is very much up in the air.
His abilities took the Premier League by surprise bagging 11 goals and 4 assists in his EPL debut season. While season one in Manchester was a coming out party, season two has been a lesson in the business that is top flight football.
When Jose Mourinho took the reigns at Old Trafford everyone knew some changes would be coming, but few could have foreseen the fall that Martial has taken. The signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic made changes to the pecking order of the United forwards, but the removal of Martial’s number 9 from his jersey (given to Zlatan) may have been the biggest impact to the Frenchman.
While a jersey number does not make a player, having your earned number taken from you can be a mental road block to overcome. This was just the start of Martial’s life under Mourinho. With minutes being hard to come by and a new system to learn and fit into, Martial has found himself miles away from the place he was in last year.
With Mourinho’s recent roster decisions and his comments in the media, the Frenchman’s career is now sitting at a crossroads. It may be best for United to look for a loan deal for Martial for the second half of the season to rejuvenate the young player.
A loan deal would be good for both parties. United can allow Martial to continue to develop by playing meaningful minutes. The young forward can also regain his confidence while continuing to hone his craft. Finding a partner in the loan deal should not be difficult considering Martial’s abilities.
Loan Options
For gaining more British football education, a loan to an EPL club in the relegation fight, or a Championship squad fighting to move up makes a great deal of sense. Clubs like Middlesbrough, West Ham, Hull City and Sunderland could all use a boost to their attack. Adding a goal scoring threat could make the difference between staying in the EPL or moving down.
Sending him back to his native France would also be a reasonable option. The comforts of home could help him regain his confidence. A spell at Saint-Etienne would be an excellent fit for both. He could take on the role that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang played for Christophe Galtier. ASSE has struggled with consistency in the attack, and Martial could provide the cure for their offensive woes.
Another Ligue 1 option would be Marseille. The former French powerhouse is struggling to maintain a mid-table position. Adding Martial would offset the loss of Michy Batshuayi, who took his talents to Chelsea.
More from Manchester United
- Four forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester United
- Aston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno Fernandes
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking points
- A few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United
In conclusion, it is apparent that Manchester United is going to have to do something to resolve this situation. If Mourinho continues to shut Martial out he risks alienating him. This could lead to Martial’s departure, which is a scenario where United have more to lose than to gain. Martial still has the potential to be the offensive headliner every team craves. A temporary loan may be what United and Martial both need.