Analysing Anthony Martial’s impressive showing for Manchester United against Watford

Add as preferred source on Google

On his first start in in three Premier League games, having been left out against Stoke and then benched against both Hull and Leicester, Anthony Martial showed exactly what Jose Mourinho had been missing amid rumours of a fall-out between the two of them behind the scenes at Old Trafford.

The 21-year-old started the game well, with his pace and movement causing Miguel Britos problems from the very start, and it paid dividends just after the half hour mark when he exploited the space to burst down the flank and cut inside before cutting the ball back perfectly for Juan Mata to open the scoring.

Embed from Getty Images

The highlight of his performance though came on the hour mark, his movement making the Watford defence dizzy as the Red Devils broke forward on the counter-attack. A neat pass from Zlatan Ibrahimovic allowed him use his pace to burn to race away and then cut back onto his right foot. Having seemingly taken too many touches and allowing Watford to get more men back, he cleverly rolled the ball home to the near post leaving the defence looking on helplessly as the back of the net bulged.

With three dribbles, it was clear where the Frenchman enjoyed the most success – on the ball. Off the ball, the ex-Monaco forward was constantly looking to break forward and anticipate a change in possession or a movement of the ball wide, but on it he looked like the most confident player on the field. Drifting in and out of Watford’s midfield and defence, he made it look easy on Saturday afternoon.

Embed from Getty Images

Yet still, Martial could not manage 90 minutes. Whether this was down to his fitness levels or was a tactical call only Jose Mourinho will know, but with nine goals or assists in his last eight starts it is hard to see how the former Chelsea boss can continue to leave him on the sidelines. His form has been nothing short of superb when he has been given the opportunity, and rather than scapegoating him, Mourinho would be well advised to use his pace and skill to help fire United into the top four.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by yepao.