Anthony Martial

[zudomiriku]

CHRIS SUTTON: Anthony Martial could be the No 9 Manchester United have craved after ruthless hat-trick reminiscent of Ruud van Nistelrooy... and he will score even more with Bruno Fernandes supplying ammunition

* Anthony Martial scored the first hat-trick of his career in 3-0 win over Sheff Utd
* Martial's first two goals were instinctive finishes inside the six-yard box
* His third was a sumptuous, lifted finish over the advancing Simon Moore
* If he's consistent, he could become a prolific No 9 - but he must maintain form

Is Anthony Martial the No 9 Manchester United have long since craved? He certainly looked like it here.

It is one game - and Sheffield United weren’t up to much - but there were encouraging signs, especially the nature of his first two goals.

They were typical finishes of a No 9, sniffing them out in the penalty area. I’ve always worried about his instinct in the box and thought he played on the back foot too much, but these goals were what you’d expect from a Ruud van Nistelrooy type.


Anthony Martial scored the first hat-trick of his career in Man Utd's 3-0 win over Sheff United. Martial's first two goals were instinctive finishes that were typical of an out and out No 9. He lifted the ball over the goalkeeper brilliant for his third goal to cap off a fine performance. Martial has previously thrived in a wide role but has finishing quality to be United's No 9

I’ve always seen Martial’s best position as dribbling off the left but he has all of the attributes to play in that central role.

It would be unusual for a club as big as Manchester United to mould a player to a new position rather than buying a proven goalscorer, but Martial is still only 24 years old and could be the answer, although we will need to see a lot more of this.

Martial will get the headlines, and rightly so, but I have to mention Bruno Fernandes and the impact he has had on United in such a short space of time.

He has totally transformed the way they play going forward. The midfielder makes them tick and it is because of him they now have a great chance of getting a Champions League place, and that looked miles away before he arrived.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8457121/CHRIS-SUTTON-Anthony-Martial-No-9-Manchester-United-craved.html

[zudomiriku]

'We have worked on that, getting in the box in that situation more often': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals he has helped Anthony Martial in front of goal after Manchester United forward netted first hat-trick in win over Sheffield United

* Anthony Martial endured a mixed time under Man United's last three bosses
* But current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has put faith in the Frenchman
* Martial is enjoying his best goalscoring season to date having scored 19 so far

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was proud of sharpshooter Anthony Martial's match-winning display as the forward's maiden Manchester United hat-trick sealed a comfortable win against European hopefuls Sheffield United.

The 24-year-old endured a topsy-turvy time at Old Trafford following a fine debut campaign under Louis Van Gaal, with Jose Mourinho keen to sell an inconsistent forward who at times infuriated his manager.

But successor Solskjaer put his faith in Martial and gave him the number nine shirt back at the start of the season, and the former United striker helped him fine tune his work in front of goal.


The 1999 treble hero has been rewarded with the France international's best goalscoring season to date, with Wednesday's impressive treble taking his tally to 19 and sealing a 3-0 win against the Blades at an empty Old Trafford.

'Very happy for Anthony,' Solskjaer said, having seen Martial score a superb scooped effort after two poacher's finishes at the near post.

'Of course when you get your hat-trick... it's just unfortunate he didn't celebrate with our fans. I thought our performance deserved a win, definitely.

'The third goal was a great goal, but for me the first and the second were better.


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was proud of sharpshooter Anthony Martial's match-winning display. The Frenchman scored his first professional hat-trick in the win against Sheffield United. Solskjaer revealed he has worked with Martial - who has 19 goals this season - on finishing

'He's in the box, ready to go. We have worked on that, getting in the box in that situation more often.

'At the near post he showed composure and I think as I said the first goal was vital the way he turns and gets himself into a position to score from Marcus (Rashford's) cross, very pleased with that.

'He's getting more and more into those position he could have had one at Spurs a great turn and finish and a great save he's in good form.'

It was a smooth evening for Solskjaer, but there was a hint of frustration given moments that lacked cutting edge.

'At times it was very, very good football,' the United boss said. 'We could and should have scored more goals to put the game to bed before half-time.

'Always worrying going into half-time knowing you should have scored goals the way we controlled the game, pressed and stopped them playing. Very happy with it.

'Still more to come and we shouldn't be 100 per cent happy with it.'

Wednesday evening also offered an exciting first glimpse of inspired January signing Bruno Fernandes alongside Paul Pogba, who produced a promising display on his first start since September.

'Paul is still a bit away from his best form,' Solskjaer said. 'That's natural because it's his first start since September. He's been working hard.

'I thought we controlled the game. Paul and Bruno showed some quality and it's exciting for us to be working with talent like this.

'Now it's keep on working, onto the next one.'

As for the Blades, this defeat compounded Sunday's loss by the same scoreline at Newcastle and the goalless draw at Aston Villa last Wednesday - an evening when faulty goal-line technology cost them victory.

Chris Wilder was angered by how much of an 'easy night' it was for the home side at Old Trafford, saying there are a lot of wrongs to right at Sheffield United.

'You can imagine with the games coming thick and fast, it's basically recovery time so no time on the training ground to right the wrongs,' the Blades boss said.

'There's certainly a lot of wrongs at the moment in terms of my team's performance, individually and as a tea.

'We have got to find an answer from somewhere. We looked pretty tired.

'I know when you're chasing a ball for 90-odd minutes and world-class players are keeping it away from you, you are going to feel mentally and physically tired - and especially when you turn the ball over as cheaply as we did.

'Whether it's back to basics, whatever it is, we need to find an answer pretty quickly because I don't want us to fall off the side of the cliff.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8457091/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-hails-Anthony-Martial-Manchester-United-forward-nets-hat-trick.html

[Andi Istiabudi]

Kelamaan dikarantina, begitu main langsung cetak 3 gol

[zudomiriku]

'Is he going to be No 9 for years to come? There's a question': Michael Owen says Anthony Martial still has to prove his long-term credentials at Manchester United despite his hat-trick against Sheffield United

* Forward Anthony Martial scored a hat-trick as Man United beat Sheffield United
* Former United striker Michael Owen believes Martial still needs to prove himself
* Owen feels that a main striker remains the priority area for United to strengthen
* The 24-year-old's first Premier League treble took his tally this term to 14 goals

Michael Owen feels that Anthony Martial still needs to prove himself as Manchester United's long-term number 9 following the first Premier League hat-trick of his career.

Martial scored all three goals as United beat Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, and Owen has urged the Frenchman to capitalise on the chance to become a pivotal player for the club.

'Now is the right time to be playing as a centre-forward for Manchester United with the likes of [Paul] Pogba, [Bruno] Fernandes and all these players around you,' Owen said.

'Is he one that's going to be the No 9 for years to come? At the minute, he looks very inconsistent. Is he going to constantly score a lot of goals?

'There is still a question mark - and there is still a question mark over what his best position is.

'I probably think it's off the left, but then again that's probably Marcus Rashford's best position.


Anthony Martial (left) scored all three goals as Manchester United beat Sheffield United 3-0. Former United striker Michael Owen has challenged Martial to continue his goalscoring form. Owen was impressed by what he saw from Martial but wants him to show greater consistency

'They are shuffling the pack a little bit at the moment but if you ask most people where Manchester United need to strengthen, they will say they need a main No 9.'

Martial has scored 14 goals in 26 Premier League appearances this season, eclipsing his previous record of 11 goals in the campaign after he joined the club from AS Monaco in 2015.

'We're judging a team that have been below par for a long time,' said Owen, who was impressed by United's performance. 'Now, all of a sudden, they've got a lot of good players.

'They had three or four situations... Rashford missed a chance in the first half and if he had put it in, it would have been one of the goals of the season. The intricate play on the edge of the box was absolutely brilliant.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8460349/Michael-Owen-says-Anthony-Martial-prove-long-term-credentials-Manchester-United.html

[zudomiriku]

'It took a while!': Robin van Persie congratulates Anthony Martial after France striker scored Manchester United's first hat-trick since the Dutchman SEVEN years ago

* Anthony Martial starred as Manchester United defeated Sheffield United 3-0
* United forward scored the first post-Sir Alex Ferguson era hat-trick at the club
* Robin van Persie had been the last player to net a Red Devils treble in 2013
* The Dutchman sent his congratulations to Martial on his feat on Twitter

Robin van Persie has congratulated Anthony Martial after the France striker became the first Manchester United player to score a hat-trick since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager seven years ago

Martial netted a treble in Wednesday evening's 3-0 win over Sheffield United and it was the club's first since Van Persie's hat-trick helped them secure their record 20th Premier League title against Aston Villa back in April 2013.

Van Persie was effectively replaced by Martial after leaving Old Trafford in the summer of 2015 but acknowledged the Frenchman's feat on Twitter following the Red Devils' curiously long wait for a hat-trick.


Anthony Martial celebrates after scoring Manchester United's first hat-trick in seven years. The striker's third goal against Sheffield United was capped with a deft flick over the keeper

'It took a while.. but happy that someone has taken the baton after seven years Congratulations on the hat-trick Anthony Martial,' Van Persie said on the social media site.

Martial took just seven minutes to open the scoring after turning home a Marcus Rashford cross at the near post before doubling United's lead a minute before the break after drilling in a low Aaron Wan-Bissaka effort.

The Frenchman then capped off a fine evening 16 minutes from the end when after a one-two with Rashford he lofted a finish over the head of advancing Blades keeper Simon Moore.


It's United's first treble since Robin van Persie against Aston Villa in April 2013. Van Persie's hat-trick on the evening won United their 20th Premier League title

It takes Martial to an impressive tally of 19 goals from 36 appearances in all competitions this term and left manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer delighted with his display.

'The third goal was a great goal,' Solskjaer said after the game.

'But for me, the first and the second were better. He's in the box, ready to go. We have worked on that, getting in the box in that situation more often.'

Martial's team-mate Nemanja Matic also congratulated his efforts, claiming he was the best player on the pitch.

'I am especially happy for Anthony scoring his first hat trick. It is very important for him to score goals,' he said.

'It is important for every striker for confidence. I am happy that our strikers are in good condition and for me Anthony was man of the match. He used almost every chance he had to score.

'Let us see in the future what he can do for us but I am happy for him and congratulations to him.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8459271/Robin-van-Persie-congratulates-Anthony-Martial-Manchester-United-hat-trick-seven-years.html

[zudomiriku]

'He can destroy any defender if he decides to': Patrice Evra hails return to form of Anthony Martial as he reveals Man United striker was frustrated by Jose Mourinho's decision to hand Zlatan Ibrahimovic his No 9 shirt

* Anthony Martial is in the form of his Manchester United career this season
* The striker scored his first career hat-trick against Sheffield United last week
* Patrice Evra says United are now going to get the best out of the 24-year-old
* Evra lifted the lid regarding Martial's row with United over the No 9 shirt

Patrice Evra claimed that Manchester United are now going to get the best out of striker Anthony Martial following the Frenchman's upturn in form.

The 24-year-old is enjoying a purple patch in front of goal for the Red Devils this season, with a hat-trick against Sheffield United in midweek taking his Premier League goal tally to 14.

But after a difficult start to his Old Trafford career, former United defender Evra believes Martial is capable of kicking on and becoming a top striking option for Ole Gunnar Solksjaer's side.

Speaking before United's clash with Brighton on Tuesday evening, Evra told Sky Sports: 'From now on I think United are going to get the best out of him, not because of the hat-trick, but because he wants to be there for the club now.


Patrice Evra believes Manchester United are now going to get the best out of Anthony Martial. Martial scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United last week to take his league tally to 14 goals

'He can destroy any defender if he decides to, no defender can handle him.

'That is why he frustrates a lot of people because they know his talent. He is one of the best strikers, but he lacks the aggressiveness, that hunger and anger.'

Martial fell out with Manchester United back in 2016 when the club, then managed by Jose Mourinho forced him to give up his number nine shirt to new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Instead, the Frenchman was handed the No 11 shirt while Ibrahimovic became the main centre-forward option for the Red Devils.

With the Swedish forward no longer at the club, and Martial now being coached by Solskjaer, Evra believes the French forward is a more mature figure this season.

Evra added: 'They let him down when they swapped the shirt with Zlatan.

'We were in the national team [together] and he received from the call and they said, "you have to give your No 9 shirt'". And he said, 'no absolutely not."

'But afterwards, Mourinho contacted him and said, "Zlatan is going to take the No 9 and you're going to take the No 11."


Martial's future at United was doubted when he gave his No 9 shirt to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Martial (left) was forced to relinquish the squad number by former boss Jose Mourinho (right)

'It's not going to be like I'm going to say Martial has not been playing well because of that shirt No but it starts from there.

'I remember at the start of the season I went to Carrington, and Martial was really upset and really frustrated because he was injured.

And I was like, "wow that's really impressive because last time I saw you weren't having that enthusiasm and now you're injured you want to come back really fast and to make sure you can help the team".'


Martial, now United's number 9 again, is a more mature figure now, according to Evra. Martial is now a key Manchester United player this season in the Red Devils' attack

Martial is now an integral part of the United attack, which is boosted by fellow forwards Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Odion Ighalo.

The forward are supported by all-action midfielders Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, who Evra believes are going to be key for the Red Devils in the coming years.

'When you got players like Paul Pogba and Fernandes, you can see the difference straight away. You're going to create chances.

'Martial will be smiling today, Rashford will be smiling because when you have two geniuses like this behind the strikers, it's so important and you're to score goals and create a lot of chances.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8476609/He-destroy-defender-Patrice-Evra-hails-form-Manchester-United-striker-Anthony-Martial.html

[Andi Istiabudi]

[zudomiriku]

'Do you want your No 9 back? Show me that you deserve it': Anthony Martial reveals challenge laid down by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to justify returning iconic shirt after Jose Mourinho took it off him to give to Zlatan Ibrahimovic

* Anthony Martial had No 9 shirt taken off him by Zlatan Ibrahimovic previously
* He regained it this season and took up gauntlet laid by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
* Frenchman has 21 goals in all competitions and has been on top form recently
* Striker revealed that Solskjaer had told him to prove he deserved the No 9

Anthony Martial has revealed the challenge laid down to him by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that is inspiring his superb season for Manchester United.

The Frenchman is on 21 goals in all competitions and has been driven by the need to do justice to the famous No 9 shirt, having previously had it taken off him by Jose Mourinho to give to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Martial told Canal Plus: 'He [Solskjaer] sent me a message, he said “do you want to take your No 9 shirt back?”

‘I straight up said yes! I said yes and he told me now it’s up to you to show me [that you deserve it] every time you’re on the pitch.’

Martial previously wore the No 9 before it was given to Ibrahimovic by Mourinho when the Swedish star arrived at the club in 2016.

It was then handed back to Martial last summer and the 24-year-old is enjoying his best campaign for the Old Trafford club.

Solskjaer has been delighted with the striker's progress, saying this week: 'He’s definitely developing, improving and he’s enjoying his football.’


Anthony Martial has been in scintillating form this season having been given back the No 9. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told the Frenchman to justify getting back the shirt with his displays. Martial has responded to the challenge by scoring 21 goals in all competitions this term

'He’s stepped it up this season, I feel, both as an individual and more so as a team player, and physically.

'I remember there were talks about our forwards last season being the least active and there were some stats flying around but Anthony is now working really hard for the team and he is a quality, quality finisher.'

Martial showed his class in the 2-2 draw against Southampton, scoring a sensational goal after cutting in from the left flank.

He will be looking to add to his tally on Thursday evening as United face Crystal Palace.

They remain level on points with Leicester but lie fifth on goal difference.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8529987/Anthony-Martial-reveals-challenge-Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-justify-giving-iconic-No-9.html

[zudomiriku]

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals Anthony Martial 'promised to score' for Manchester United against LASK as he 'begged' to come on before netting the winner in Europa League victory

* Anthony Martial begged to come on and promised to score a goal on Wednesday
* Martial came on in the 83rd minute before scoring their Europa League winner
* Man United progressed to the quarter-finals 7-1 on aggregate after winning 2-1
* Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Martial has 'been an absolute joy to work with'

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed Anthony Martial begged to come on and promised to score in Manchester United's 2-1 Europa League win over LASK.

The France international was introduced in the 83rd minute before scoring the winner against the Austrian minnows with only a couple of minutes left on the clock.

The United manager praised the 24-year-old for not only his contribution on Wednesday night but also his hard work and commitment to bettering himself and the team.

In the post-match interview, Solskjaer said: 'We needed to win the game. Of course, I wanted to but I couldn't get all of [the substitutes] on.

'We want to win and Anthony was begging to come on. But he promised a goal as well, so well done!'.

The Norwegian went on to praise his starlet's contribution to the club, saying: 'Anthony has upped his work-rate.

'He's working harder in training, he's working harder in the games; his physical stats show that. He's been an absolute joy to work with.

'His attitude has been spot on and him and Marcus [Rashford] have found and hit off a really good relationship.'


Anthony Martial wrapped up the victory for Man United in their Europa League second-leg tie

Solskjaer chose to leave the likes of Martial, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Paul Pogba on the bench for the second leg after going into the game with a 5-0 lead.

The Red Devils initially fell behind due to a stunning strike from Philipp Wiesinger, but went on to progress to the quarter-finals 7-1 on aggregate.

Jesse Lingard provided United with the equaliser before Martial came on to seal the deal for Solskjaer's men.

The Frenchman got on the end of a pass from Juan Mata pass to then dribble into the box and slide home his 23rd goal of the campaign.


Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Martial begged to come on, moments before scoring the winner. Thanks to Martial, the Red Devils have progressed to the quarter-finals 7-1 on aggregate

Man United are now set for a Europa League quarter-final against Copenhagen after the Danish side beat Istanbul Basaksehir.

Speaking of the challenge ahead, Solskjaer said : 'I know Stale [Solbakken, their manager] really well. A good friend of mine.

'I did my pro licence study with him in Copenhagen, so I know what there is to know about Stale probably.

'And he probably knows what there is to know about me! I'm looking forward to it.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8599927/Anthony-Martial-promised-score-begged-Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-bring-against-LASK.html

[zudomiriku]

'Physically, he is at the best level of his career': Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises Manchester United forward Anthony Martial for working on his physique as he enjoys best goalscoring season to date

* Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised Anthony Martial for his physique
* The French forward is enjoying his best scoring season to date with 23 goals
* Solskjaer said Martial is in the best shape of his career due to more gym time


Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Anthony Martial for working on his physique as the French forward enjoys a career-best campaign at Old Trafford.

Martial scored his 23rd goal for United in all competitions this season against LASK Linz in Wednesday's Europa League last-16 victory.

'Anthony has made huge strides this season in many aspects of his game,' Solskjaer told an eve-of-match news conference ahead of Monday's Europa League quarter-final clash with Copenhagen in Cologne.

'Physically, he is at the best level of his career. We know he can do worldies but I like him scoring the simple goals, when he is in between the posts. He's done that a few times.

'He's in the gym a lot working on his fitness and strength. I'm just looking forward to seeing him improve. There's more to come from him.'

United arrived earlier on Sunday for the remainder of the Europa League tournament, which will feature one-match knockout ties at different German venues, culminating in the final, also in Cologne, on Aug. 21.

Solskjaer, who has already guided United to Champions League qualification with a third-placed finish in the Premier League, said the end-of-season event will aid his side's development.


Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Anthony Martial for his physique. The United boss said he is in the best shape of his career as he enjoys his best scoring season

'We went into this season knowing that Europa League is a great chance for us to get a trophy, to get far in a tournament,' he added.

'But also to groom a few of the youngsters and it was perfect for us.

'I think if we'd been in the Champions League, I maybe wouldn't have had the chance to play the likes of Brandon (Williams), Mason (Greenwood), so many of the young kids who have now started what's going to be fantastic careers.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8610317/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-praises-Manchester-United-forward-Anthony-Martial-working-physique.html