Premier League
Should Manchester United Sell Anthony Martial?
Manchester United winger Anthony Martial could be sold according to latest reports. Martial’s agent Phillipe Lamboley stated earlier in the summer that he wanted to leave United with Tottenham and Chelsea being linked to the attacker. However, United were reluctant to sell him to a Premier League rival but with the transfer window still open across Europe Martial may leave before the end of August. Martial has fallen in and out of the starting 11 during Mourinho’s time as United boss.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic with Mourinho a long time admirer in what appeared to be a direct replacement for Martial. Despite failing to get Perisic, Martial’s poor performance against Brighton could see the end of his United career. The Frenchman has failed to kick on after an impressive opening season in the Premier League under Louis Van Gaal. Martial’s disappointing campaign saw him miss out on the French World Cup squad. Meanwhile the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Lemar have improved in the last two seasons, Martial has stood still.
Is Mourinho to Blame for Martial’s Lack of Development?
Martial burst on the scene and made himself an instant United hero by scoring a superb solo goal against Liverpool.
That season he scored 11 Premier League goals in 31 appearances. When Mourinho took over as United boss the next season his numbers dropped only scoring 4 Premier League goals in 26 appearances.
There is no doubt that Mourinho’s defensive style of play stifles Martial’s ability to play with freedom and creativity. One of the big criticisms that Mourinho has of Martial is he doesn’t do enough defensively instead of allowing him to play to his strengths. Mourinho doesn’t allow him to show off his true potential.
Jessie Lingard has been the only player who has improved during Mourinho’s time at Manchester United. Martial still has the ability to become a World Class player and a potential Ballon d’Or winner.
If he was playing for Manchester City he would be one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League. He has all the attributes pace, power and coolness in front of goal. All he needs is a manager who can see his potential.
Under Mourinho he will never fulfill that potential.
