Pranav Nair
Louis Saha believes Manchester United star Anthony Martial can help salvage the season
According to The Metro via 101greatgoals.com, former Manchester United star Louis Saha believes French international, Anthony Martial could still have a big role to play for the remainder of the season.
The Red Devils have struggled for consistency this season and have been at the receiving end of some devastating defeats. Saha, however, believes that the Red Devils attack can help them get the season back on track.
He goes on to add that one player, in particular, could go on to make a massive difference. Martial had endured a Jekyll and Hyde existence under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but with Carrick in charge now, the striker has the opportunity to make a fresh start.
Saha, who has played as a striker for Man United between 2004 and 2008, admits that the 25-year-old is unplayable when in top form. He believes that the United front four could prove to be their salvation this season and an on-form Martial would certainly add bite upfront.
“And when they do [find form], they will be unstoppable because those front 4 players are one of the best in the Premier League”
“On their game, no-one can touch that front four or five. Martial, when he’s on top form, he is unplayable.”
Saha would have been right, had Martial lived up to his potential. While it would be crazy to dismiss a player who is just 25, he has had more misses than hits in a United jersey.
By playing Donny van de Beek against Villarreal, Carrick has shown that there is still a chance for the fringe players to make their case at the club. Hopefully Martial will take his chances when they come along. He has made nine appearances for Man United this season, scoring one goal. That is hardly what you call eye-catching stuff.
Martial enjoyed the best season of his career in 2019/20 when he was the club’s top scorer across all competitions. He also picked up the players’ player of the year award that season and appeared to have taken the first steps towards fulfilling his potential. Unfortunately, it proved to be a faux pas and he went on to endure a 2020/21 campaign characterized by injuries and a loss of form.
The Red Devils are currently looking at striking options and with Edinson Cavani likely to leave next summer, Martial finds himself in a curious position. Whether a prolific second half of the season is necessary for him to salvage his career at the Theatre of Dreams remains to be seen.
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The Frenchman stepping up his game is a win-win for all parties. Not only can he rekindle his flagging career but also hand Man United a massive option up front going into the 2022/23 season. More so, it will also boost the player’s chances of playing a critical role for France as they look to defend their world crown in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar.
But for now, there is still much to be played for and United will hope that Martial will prove Saha to be a prophet.
