Antony Martial: The child who never grows up

A strange guy, a natural talent of French football but now, he is like a ghost. At the age when Martial thought he would reach the peak of his career, he prepared to leave Old Trafford because MU was determined not to renew with the former Monaco player. It sounds tragic, but it accurately reflects what Martial has been doing.

How is the once prodigy Dele Alli now?

What future does Antony have?

A natural talent but no will to strive

Back in 2015 when MU just bought Martial from Monaco, all expectations were placed on this guy when the club was led by veteran coach Louis Van Gaal. Before the match with Liverpool, MU fans were waiting for the debut of 50 million euro rookie Martial. However, Van Gaal decided to "put" this young star on the bench. It was not until the 65th minute that Martial was brought on by coach Van Gaal to replace Juan Mata. Right in the first match, the player nicknamed "New Henry" knew how to make Old Trafford explode with a goal in the 86th minute. Martial's scoring style is quite similar to his senior Thierry Henry. In that situation, the former Monaco striker made a brave breakthrough, overcoming veteran Liverpool midfielder Skrtel, before launching a classy curling shot.

A moment of genius and people thought that from now on, at Old Trafford or anywhere MU is, people will witness such classy moves from Martial. "MU has a new Henry" or "Martial will win the Golden Ball if he keeps performing like this" or a little simpler "Martial - the new star of French football". That kind of rhetoric is only found in British newspapers praising young players and making Martial himself "believe it's real". You have talent, it's not wrong, but to say that that's enough is wrong. Looking at Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, they have strived their whole lives to compete with each other from 2008 until now. And Martial?

Ten Hag was so disappointed with Martial

Since that moment of genius against Liverpool until now, Martial has played for MU for 9 years but instead of establishing himself as the club's number 1 striker, he only left disappointment. If you don't believe it, ask why Mourinho had to spend tons of money to buy Lukaku for MU? Why did Mourinho have to invite older striker Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford? And yet, when Solsa was in office, he preferred to use Cavani over Martial and then as we all remember, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the club. When Ten Hag was in charge, he still gave Martial the opportunity, but this young man inexplicably "threw it away" and was pushed to Sevilla to find the feeling of playing again. Pity for a striker with great potential, someone who once won the "Golden Boy" award.

Recalling Mourinho's comment, the more people think about it now, the more it makes sense: "Martial is still a boy, with a different personality than Benzema. The only thing I can confirm is that if he changes his thinking, he can reach his full potential."

After 9 years at Old Trafford, Martial's most explosive season came in the 2019/20 season when he scored 23 goals in all competitions. For the rest, the average is plus or minus 10 goals per season. In the 2023/24 season alone, Martial has only had 2 goals in 19 matches where he was given the opportunity. For a player with the highest salary, almost the highest on the team, with such dedication, surely no board of directors wants to keep him.

Leaving is certain

9 years of scoring 114 goals in 418 matches - a truly disappointing number for a contract with a total fee of nearly 70 million euros. To be exact, MU spent 40 million euros to buy Martial, the remaining numbers include achievements with the club, number of goals, number of appearances, collective titles and even the fact that this guy won the Ball. Gold in the future.

But the latter is certainly impossible. The Golden Ball will forever be a dream that Martial can never successfully realize. Think about it, at the age of 28, what did Ronaldo, Messi, Aguero or Martial's compatriot Mbappe (younger than the MU player) have and are doing? It's just that Martial is still the same, he really doesn't care at all. Even if you read a ton of books, watch thousands of presentations, and undergo psychological therapy, you won't be able to help Martial. How to change a person's mentality. Martial still plays football with an indifferent expression that people initially think is cold and brave. Actually, that's just the look of a person who lacks direction and has no will to progress.

Martial no longer has a future at MU

He will definitely not be retained by MU when the 2023/24 season ends. The reason is as we just said, Martial's contribution is not enough. At a time when the whole team is struggling to win tickets to the European Cup next season, Martial is enjoying himself.

Does Martial think that if he doesn't stay at MU, there will be countless clubs waiting for him? A few years ago, that thought seemed right, but now maybe not, but definitely not? Coming to Sevilla, Martial is still undisciplined and can't show anything, so what do you hope for? Is there a club with the same reputation as MU that would invite you? Nope. Every football team has a scouting team to collect data on players. They know what Martial is like now. Maybe everyone has the same opinion: "Martial is an unattractive item in the transfer market."

If Europe is no longer Martial's home, it will be a disaster but the exact outcome for players who think they are talented and have no will to strive. People can say that they don't have the right time, but for Martial, he has all the "favorable weather, favorable terrain, and favorable people". It's just that I don't know how to try to become a superstar.