Anthony Martial’s 23-Min Cameo vs Everton Shows He’s Back To His Best

Anthony Martial has often faced the brunt of criticism this campaign. Having ended last season with excellent numbers and blistering form, the Frenchman was expected to do a lot going forward.

However, he was incapable of immediately launching those numbers. This was particularly evident when Ole Gunnar Solskjær deployed him as a striker up-front and the attacking trident had to rely on his scoring prowess in key games.

In recent games though, Martial appears to be in a resurgent form. This was perhaps best illustrated during his cameo in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Everton that took them to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup.

The late flurry of goals was inspired by Martial, who was brought on in the 67^th minute in place of Donny van de Beek. His impact was vital to the final scoreline as he created Edinson Cavani’s 88^th minute goal following which he made the best out of a Marcus Rashford pass to score for himself in the final seconds of injury time.

All of his touches were apt and the performance he put in was precisely in tandem with the kind of super-substitution that the Norwegian gaffer looks to make in order to turn games around.

Fans were elated at this display from their no.9 and were hoping that this was indicative of the former Monaco star coming back to his erstwhile form at Old Trafford.

Side note: Martial hitting form at just the right time is just lovely 🔥

— Anne Marie Dray (@Anna__Dray) December 23, 2020

His all-round game is improving immensely – pressing, hold up, passing, movement, understanding.

The only thing he’d not been doing is the one thing he’s always been exceptional at, finishing.

It’s only a matter of time before that returns to normal level, & #MUFC have a star. https://t.co/4ENLrdMWhO

— Tim Long 🎙 (@timlongsports) December 24, 2020

Anthony Martial has six goal contributions (two goals, four assists) in his last three games 🥶 pic.twitter.com/BcKqdA4iiS

— utdreport (@utdreport) December 23, 2020

Has to be said, it’s time for things to step up because Martial is building up that form… Running at defenders again with a bit of cockiness. Goal and assist in his small cameo. Exciting. 👀 #mufc

— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) December 23, 2020

 

The inclusion of Edinson Cavani into the roster does give Martial plenty of competition to try and carve out a more regular role. Further still, a club like United is always on the lookout to add more strikers and promote the next big name. As such, the onus is now on him to continue this form in the several games to come.

Next chance is against Leicester City on Boxing Day.