Where should José Mourinho deploy this Manchester United star performer?

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Since joining Manchester United on a four-year contract for a reported £36 million in September 2015, Anthony Martial had taken up various attacking positions under former manager Louis Van Gaal.

With the rise of home-grown youngster Marcus Rashford occupying his preferred number nine position, the 20-year-old Frenchman was favoured for the left-wing spot in United’s starting XI over Dutch prospect Memphis
Depay, as the former PSV man flattered to deceive for much of the campaign.

Likened to his fellow countryman Thierry Henry, fans of The Red Devils witnessed the potential of Martial out wide on his Old Trafford debut against their bitter rivals Liverpool, as he showed confidence in passing Martin Skrtel to slot home his first goal in front of the Stretford end at the Theatre of Dreams.

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With continued rumours of a potential transfer for Swedish international Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford, Anthony Martial could be looking to resume that run of form as a left winger in the Manchester United squad.

The prospect of the former Barcelona and Inter Milan forward joining his ex-San Siro counterpart José Mourinho in Manchester could make for a deadly partnership that would bring back the fear factor of Old Trafford that fans relished throughout the Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Pundits and fans alike have questioned the Portuguese manager’s faith in youth, yet his first signing at the helm of Manchester United – 22-year-old central defender Eric Bailly of Villareal – could signal a compromise in combining trusted experience with raw youth talent.

Martial; who is currently training with his national squad at their Clairefontaine base before the start of the European Championships on 10th June, showcased his youthful prowess after he picked up four assists during the
2015/16 Premier League campaign.

His further 17 goals in all competitions have excited United’s supporters home and away, in particular his late winner in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, which saw his team receive their first piece of silverware for three years.

However, it is the Frenchman’s defensive work rate which could play a significant role in José Mourinho’s decision of what position to employ him within the Manchester United squad. Many times during last season, the striker was informed by Van Gaal to conduct defensive duties, which often saw him occupy the front post from set-pieces.

His defensive capabilities will continue to be tested by the new Manchester United manager, although he has arguably already proven to be a more assured option in tracking back than his fellow wide players Memphis Depay, Juan Mata and Adnan Januzaj.

However, some Red Devils supporters are calling for their new number nine to stand at the forefront of the team’s attacking threat. With Radamel Falcao failing to settle in Manchester during the 2014/15 campaign due to injury problems and a lack of consistent form, the arrival of 34-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been somewhat questioned.

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As Diego Simeone’s future at Mourinho’s previous La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid is up in the air, his Champions League finalist squad could potentially be dismantled by other European giants. Midfielders Koke and Saul Niguez have continued to be rumoured with a move away from the Vicente Caldaron, yet it is another French forward – Antoine Griezmann – that has caught the eye of many this season, and would fit the mould in an example of Mourinho’s new Manchester United system.

Not only would the move silence Jose’s doubters over his trust in younger players, but could pave the way for a front trio similar to that of Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo in their prime years, and also mean that Martial could flourish in his favoured centre-forward role.

On the other hand, when comparing the 20-year-old to former Old Trafford darling Cristiano Ronaldo, it is easy to assume that the Frenchman could achieve a healthy goal-scoring tally from a wide-left position. With blistering pace and strength at such a young age, his Premier League potential can only grow stronger.

The fan-favourite has proved his worth within his first season at Old Trafford, and wherever he is to be deployed on the field during the next Premier League regime, it is almost certain that the Special One will include him in his long-term plans at Manchester United.