Anthony Martial

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Manchester United star Anthony Martial subjected to racist abuse yet again over social media after his side's draw with West Brom... with Instagram slammed by Kick It Out chief Troy Townsend for their 'slap on the wrist' punishments for trolls

* Anthony Martial received racist abuse after Man United's draw at West Brom
* The French forward played 66 minutes of the Premier League game on Sunday
* Martial received abuse too after the defeat against Sheffield United in January
* Kick It Out condemned the abuse as well as social media's punishments for trolls

Anthony Martial was the victim of racial abuse on social media once again after Manchester United's 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday afternoon.

The French forward started the match before being taken off on 66 minutes as Ole Gunnar Solskajer's side slipped up in their Premier League title charge and now lie seven points behind leaders Manchester City.

After the match, messages of racial hatred - including various symbols such as abhorrent gorilla emojis, and expletives - were seen on Martial's Instagram account.

This is the second time the 25-year-old has been targeted with racial abuse since the turn of the year. Martial received similar messages along with United team-mates Marcus Rashford and Axel Tuanzebe following a 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.


Anthony Martial was the victim of racial abuse after Man United's 1-1 draw at West Brom. Messages of racial hatred were seen on Martial's social media pages on Sunday afternoon

Other Premier League footballers, including Chelsea duo Reece James and Antonio Rudiger along with West Brom's Romaine Sawyers, have reported racial abuse on social media directed at them in recent weeks.

Kick It Out representative Troy Townsend took a screenshot of the abuse aimed at Martial and tweeted: 'Let me break my Sunday silence and just say here we go again. It’s so predictable now, it makes a mockery of Instagrams comments this week.


Martial received similar levels of abuse along with United team-mate Marcus Rashford and Axel Tuanzebe after a defeat to Sheffield United in January. Kick It Out representative Troy Townsend slammed the abuse of Martial on Sunday night

'I wonder if this account will be barred for a month and collect their "Insta slap on the wrist" and "don’t do that again" talk.'

As revealed by Sportsmail this weekend, Premier League clubs appealed to social media companies - including Twitter and Facebook - to stop users creating anonymous accounts, though the request was denied.

Earlier on Sunday, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville ordered social media companies to delete and deactivate accounts found to be directing this type of abuse at footballers.

Neville told Sky Sports: 'Social media has become a vehicle for a lot of abuse, but there's been a lot of abuse in football stadiums over the last 15 to 20 years as well. It's not just social media.

'It's a positive when used correctly as football stadiums are in full flow. Every arena can be negative. Football stadiums can be negative, social media can be negative.

'There's an accountability on social media, people think when they're behind phones they are protected. They need to remove that protection and be made accountable for what they say in the same way if they had said that to somebody in the street.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9260071/Anthony-Martial-subjected-online-racist-abuse-Manchester-Uniteds-draw-West-Brom.html

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has no concerns over Anthony Martial's recent form after another poor display in Manchester United's draw at West Brom as he backs 'class' Frenchman to start scoring again soon

* Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has struggled for form this campaign
* After 23 goals last year, the Frenchman has only scored four in the league so far
* But manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed the 25-year-old to return to form
* Martial was again subject to racist abuse after his side's 1-1 draw with West Brom

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed misfiring striker Anthony Martial - who suffered racist abuse after a 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion - to rediscover his form and shooting boots.

Martial, 25, scored 23 goals in all competitions last season, including 17 in the Premier League, but has only managed four in the league so far this campaign.

He scored twice in a 9-0 win against Southampton - who finished the match with nine men - earlier this month but those are his only strikes in the last eight league games.

And when asked if he was concerned by the Frenchman's form, Solskjaer gave a definitive answer.

He told the United website: 'No. I know Anto is working hard to get back to where he was.

'And he'll score goals. His attitude is very good.

'Form is sometimes temporary but class is permanent. The kid's got class.


Anthony Martial was again subject to racist abuse after his side's 1-1 draw against West Brom. The Manchester United striker has struggled this season, only scoring four goals in the league. Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed the Frenchman to rediscover his best form

'So when he works hard, we know it's going to come out with the good performances in the end.'

The 25-cap international is generally being played out wide on the left to accommodate Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani.

After the draw with West Brom, messages of racial hatred - including various symbols such as abhorrent gorilla emojis, and expletives - were seen on Martial's Instagram account.

Other Premier League footballers, including Chelsea duo Reece James and Antonio Rudiger along with West Brom's Romaine Sawyers, have reported racial abuse on social media directed at them in recent weeks.

Kick It Out representative Troy Townsend took a screenshot of the abuse aimed at Martial and tweeted: 'Let me break my Sunday silence and just say here we go again. It’s so predictable now, it makes a mockery of Instagrams comments this week.

'I wonder if this account will be barred for a month and collect their "Insta slap on the wrist" and "don’t do that again" talk.'

After facing Newcastle in between both Europa League round of 32 matches against Real Sociedad, United face Chelsea and rivals Manchester City in a key test for their faltering title bid.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9261629/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-no-concerns-Anthony-Martials-recent-form-poor-display.html

masih bingung kenapa Ole masih mempertahankan Martial sbg starting XI, kenapa gak coba memainkan Greenwood sbg starter?

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praises 'mentally strong' Anthony Martial and reveals Manchester United striker is 'not checking' any social media accounts after he was subjected to 'disgusting' racist abuse after West Brom draw

* Man United striker Anthony Martial was again racially abused on social media
* He was targeted after United's 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday
* Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed he has spoken to the striker about the abuse
* United boss said Martial was 'mentally strong' and is staying off social media
* Martial needs a late fitness check ahead of Thursday's Real Sociedad match

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken to Anthony Martial about the 'disgusting' racist abuse aimed at the Manchester United striker.

Solskjaer held talks with the Frenchman at Carrington on Wednesday morning before the squad flew to Turin for their Europa League first-leg tie against Real Sociedad.

Martial, who faces a late fitness test before the last 32 clash, has been targeted on several occasions recently including after Sunday's draw at West Bromwich Albion.

Solskjaer said: 'I spoke to Anthony this morning. He's mentally strong but it's not something anyone should have to go through. He's not checking all the Instagram or whatever or social media.

'It's disgusting. We've been talking about this every press conference for the last three or four weeks. It used to be sporadic but now it's every single one, so there's something we have to do about it.'

Solskjaer confirmed that Scott McTominay is another injury doubt, while Edinson Cavani and Donny van de Beek will stay in Manchester to have treatment on muscle injuries, while Paul Pogba will definitely be out for at least another two weeks.


Manchester United striker Anthony Martial was racially abused on social media again after Sunday's 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he had spoken to Martial after the 'disgusting' abuse he received at the weekend and believes the striker is 'mentally strong'

'Paul is recovering well,' added the United boss. 'He is starting the treatment and will still be a few weeks, so he won't be playing in February that's for sure. It will still a few weeks until we see Paul definitely.

'We have a couple of doubtful ones if they will be fit enough. Anthony and Scott we will have to check them tomorrow. Donny and Edinson are definitely not travelling.'

New signing Amad Diallo and young striker Shola Shoretire, who recently signed his professional contract at United, are both travelling as Solskjaer continues the club's tradition of promoting young talent.

'We give them a chance to come to Man United and have a successful career,' he added. 'As a club we have proven over the years that's something we take seriously and we're good at. We like to give chances to players to develop and find their talent.

'Our history has always been about skilful players, attacking players that you play with no fear and these are players we have identified to carry that tradition.

'My role is to speak to them and put a clear pathway for them to see this is what we need. I think we've shown over the years of course with previous managers, Sir Alex was the best, we've produced some of the best players in the world.

'Wayne Rooney was young, Cristiano Ronaldo was young, we've developed Giggs, Beckham and that group ourselves. We've still got Rashford, Mason (Greenwood) coming through.

'All these experiences help for me as a manager when I want to convince these players that here is the future for you and I like to give them a chance of course.

'When you look at my career as a coach that's one of the biggest enjoyments you can have seeing a player as a young lad and then seeing him successful at the highest level.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9270349/Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaer-spoken-Anthony-Martial-Man-United-striker-suffered-racist-abuse.html

yup...kalo ada kasus rasial gitu di medsos, mending puasa/break dulu dari dunia maya, kesehatan mental juga penting biar gak mempengaruhi performa dilapangan

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Anthony Martial 'ignored Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's touchline instructions yet AGAIN' in win over Newcastle, with out-of-form forward not listening to boss's demand for 'movement' before being replaced by Mason Greenwood

* Anthony Martial was substituted after 70 minutes against Newcastle on Sunday
* Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was overheard telling the striker to show 'some movement'
* The Manchester United boss also had to shout at Martial as one attack unfolded
* A similar incident occurred during a game against Tottenham last year
* Martial has struggled for form this season and has just seven goals in 31 games

Anthony Martial ignored Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's demand to offer 'some movement' to his team-mates during Manchester United's win over Newcastle on Sunday night.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Solskjaer was twice heard telling the out-of-form striker to run at Old Trafford after he came to a standstill.

Having shouted 'some movement' at Martial during one passage of play, Solskjaer could only watch on as the Frenchman failed to take on board his instructions.

United's boss is said to have then followed up his initial demand by shouting: 'Antho, move. Start moving.'

The MEN report that this was the second occasion in the match, which United won 3-1, that Solskjaer had to urge the former Monaco man to get forward.


Anthony Martial is challenged by Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow at Old Trafford on Sunday. United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was overheard shouting at Martial to show 'some movement'

During one attack which resulted in a low cross from the energetic Daniel James, Solskjaer was heard shouting Martial's name in a bid to get him attacking the box.

The France international failed to keep up with the play after hanging around the halfway line and was too far behind to meet James' ball into the Newcastle area.

Sunday's incidents were not the first time the 25-year-old's lack of effort - and perhaps awareness - has resulted in an outburst from his manager.

Against Tottenham last year, Solskjaer was overheard yelling at Martial to 'get in the box'. On this occasion too, the forward failed to listen to his boss's instructions.

Against Newcastle, Martial put in another lacklustre display and was hooked after 70 minutes, with Solskjaer bringing on Mason Greenwood to replace him.


Martial's poor form this season continued as he put in another disappointing performance. Solskjaer shakes hands with Martial after replacing him in the 70th minute at Old Trafford

In contrast to the former Lyon forward's performance, Marcus Rashford and James impressed with their pace and direct running, and also scored either side of Allan Saint-Maximin's goal at Old Trafford.

Martial's form has been a major issue for Solskjaer so far this season, with the striker scoring just seven goals in 31 appearances in all competitions.

Although he has provided eight assists for his team-mates, he has failed to build on the impressive performances which saw him establish himself as Solskjaer's centre forward last season.

During the 2019-20 campaign, Martial managed 23 goals and 12 assists in 48 games - his best return since signing for United in a deal worth up to £58million in 2015.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9286671/Manchester-United-Anthony-Martial-ignored-Ole-Gunnar-Solskjaers-instructions-AGAIN.html

sudah mandul gak ngegol2 eh gak dengar instruksi pula. kalo Cavani fit mending Cavani aja yg jadi striker utama, kalo cedera Rashford aja didepan, sayapnya Greenwood & James

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'He doesn't look in love with the game': Roy Keane and Graeme Souness cast doubts over Anthony Martial's commitment after Frenchman didn't start in Man United's draw with Chelsea despite Edinson Cavani's absence

* Roy Keane and Graeme Souness has called out Anthony Martial's commitment
* Souness questioned whether Martial, 25, had any 'real passion' for the game
* The Frenchman was dropped for Manchester United's crunch tie versus Chelsea

Roy Keane and Graeme Souness both questioned Anthony Martial's emotional commitment to football, and said they believe the Frenchman has the talent but lacks the desire to be a top-class player.

Both pundits were speaking in the aftermath of Manchester United's 0-0 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, one of the Red Devil's biggest games with regard to the Premier League title race and Champions League qualification.

Martial, 25, was omitted from the starting line-up despite forward Edinson Cavani being injured. Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Daniel James began the game, with Martial coming on with 11 minutes to go.


Roy Keane and Graeme Souness have questioned Anthony Martial's commitment to football. Both Keane and Souness agreed that Martial lacked passion for the professional game

Souness suggested Martial may not even be concerned that he isn't starting in the biggest games.

'I'm not surprised you leave him out,' he told Sky Sports. 'I think he's a young man with talent to succeed at the highest level... but will he be disappointed he's not playing today?

'Does he ever show he's got a real passion for the game? Does he ever play, get emotional about the game? I've never seen it.

'He's one of those players who's going to end up looking back at his career and thinking he could have done so much more. I'm a fan but I'm not a fan.'

Souness said one of United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's biggest challenges is 'to keep the fire under Martial because he had a good end of the season. But I don't think that's happened.'


The 25-year-old has had a poor season, scoring just four goals in 21 Premier League matches. Martial (left) was dropped to the bench for United's crucial top-four clash against Chelsea

Martial has had a poor season so far, netting just four times in 21 Premier League appearances, and has three goals in his last 13 appearances in all competitions.

Fellow pundit and ex-United captain Keane offered similar concerns saying that Martial 'doesn't look like he loves that game. That's always a worry.'

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, also in the Sky Sports studio, suggested Martial had different priorities to scoring goals when he plays.

' I think for him its more important to go past three players and talk about that, he said.

'You know, look how I got past two or three players but not put the ball in the net. I think that is more important for him, that's the perception that I get from him.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9310027/Roy-Keane-Graeme-Souness-cast-doubts-Anthony-Martials-commitment.html

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Anthony Martial should LEAVE Manchester United if they keep playing him at centre forward, says John Barnes, who questions whether the Frenchman is happy with his role in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side

* John Barnes believes Anthony Martial is being played out of position at United
* The Liverpool icon insists the Frenchman is best utilised out on the wings
* Martial is often deployed at striker with Rashford and Greenwood out wide
* Barnes insists Martial should leave the club if he continues to play up front
* He also questioned whether the 25-year-old is happy with his role in the squad

Anthony Martial should quit Manchester United if he continues to be played out of position by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, says John Barnes.

The Frenchman has often been deployed as a centre forward this season despite his preferred position as a left winger, which he found some success with during his early years with United.

However, the emergence of Marcus Rashford and, more recently, Mason Greenwood, have limited Martial's chances to feature out wide.

Solskjaer has utilised Martial as a centre forward since taking over from Jose Mourinho in 2018 and he has enjoyed his best goalscoring form under the Norwegian to date.

However, the arrival of Edinson Cavani has seen Martial compete in several positions and Barnes insists the 25-year-old should cut his losses and head for the Old Trafford exit if the playing at centre forward trend continues.

'Anthony Martial has never been a centre forward, despite Manchester United playing him there,' Barnes told BonusCodeBets.

'If he can't get a place in the starting team in his preferred wide position, following the emergence of Mason Greenwood, then maybe it is time for him to leave Manchester United.'


John Barnes insists Anthony Martial should leave Manchester United if he continues to be played as a centre forward and not in his preferred position on the left wing. Barnes also questioned whether Martial is happy with his role in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad

Martial was omitted from United's starting XI for their goalless stalemate with Chelsea on Sunday, with Solskjaer instead opting for a front-line of Rashford, Greenwood and Daniel James, while Martial came on with 11 minutes to go.

What's more worrying for the 25-year-old is that Cavani was injured for the encounter, leaving Solskjaer to place faith in other options for the crunch clash at Stamford Bridge.

And Liverpool icon Barnes has questioned whether Martial is truly happy with his role in the Red Devils squad.

'Lots of clubs nowadays have benches full of superstar players, who are happy to be there,' Barnes added.

'But I don't know if Martial is one of those players, or what Manchester United's intentions are with him. I would suggest a change could be good for both him and the club if they aren't getting what they want from him playing there.'


Martial has found chances to play out wide limited with the emergence of Mason Greenwood. Roy Keane and Graeme Souness agreed Martial lacks passion to become top class. The 25-year-old has had a poor season, scoring just four goals in 21 Premier League matches

Martial has scored just seven goals in 33 appearances this season, while also contributing eight assists.

While his numbers may be falling short of expectations, Roy Keane and Graeme Souness questioned Martial's desire to be a top-class player.

'I'm not surprised you leave him out,' Souness told Sky Sports. 'I think he's a young man with talent to succeed at the highest level... but will he be disappointed he's not playing today?

'Does he ever show he's got a real passion for the game? Does he ever play, get emotional about the game? I've never seen it.

'He's one of those players who's going to end up looking back at his career and thinking he could have done so much more. I'm a fan but I'm not a fan.'

Fellow pundit and ex-United captain Keane offered similar concerns saying that Martial 'doesn't look like he loves that game. That's always a worry.'

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, also in the Sky Sports studio, suggested Martial had different priorities to scoring goals when he plays.

'I think for him it's more important to go past three players and talk about that, he said.

'You know, look how I got past two or three players but not put the ball in the net. I think that is more important for him, that's the perception that I get from him.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9312375/Anthony-Martial-LEAVE-Manchester-United-playing-striker-says-John-Barnes.html

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Struggling Anthony Martial 'needs to be selfish', stop being 'pretty or nice' and become 'goal-obsessed' like Cristiano Ronaldo to turn around his fortunes at Manchester United, claims former Old Trafford star Louis Saha

* Anthony Martial needs to be more selfish and goal-obsessed, said Louis Saha
* Martial, 25, has scored just four Premier League goals in 21 appearances so far
* Saha said Manchester United should not sell Martial as he is a 'top player'
* The ex-United striker said Martial should learn from legend Cristiano Ronaldo

Anthony Martial needs to model himself on Cristiano Ronaldo and become more goal-obsessed to save his career at Manchester United, according to former Red Devils striker Louis Saha.

Martial has been under unrelenting pressure for a poor season so far, in which he is regularly criticised for looking disinterested and going missing in games.

A paltry return of just four goals in 21 Premier League appearances is adding to the scrutiny, but Saha thinks Martial just needs to focus solely on putting the ball in the back of the net.


Anthony Martial needs to think more like Cristiano Ronaldo, claims Louis Saha. Saha said Ronaldo, who is at Juventus, 'completely prioritises how he can score many goals'

'I think he's a top player, that's for sure,' Saha told talkSPORT.

'I think when you're a No 9 and you're not scoring, it's difficult as people are only asking you to score goals. That's it.

'When you're not doing it you're going to be criticised. You need to be strong and really believe. You also need to be selfish and adopt a style of play that you really fancy.'

'Having that obsession with scoring goals makes it easier because people say he's been unlucky but you can see when he's in his comfort zone people get on his back.'


Saha (right) said Martial must 'be obsessed with scoring goals' as Manchester United's No 9. Saha (centre) made 124 appearances for Manchester United as a striker and scored 42 goals. Saha also pointed to Edinson Cavani as an example for Martial as he 'gives a lot of energy'

Saha, who scored 42 goals in 124 Man United appearances, rejected claims that the club should sell Martial in the summer, but conceded that he needs to show more intent.

'I really don't think he's a player Man United should let go because he can be that player who completes the striking force as he's unique in the way he plays,' he said.

'When you're not scoring you need to be obsessed with scoring goals and I think sometimes he doesn't show that.'

Saha pointed to former and current United forwards Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani to highlight how their lust for goals makes them successful, with Martial often too unselfish in key moments.

'I do feel like he has got it but Martial naturally comes to the ball to try and help his team in a certain way, but I don't feel like he helps himself,' the former Everton, Fulham and Sunderland striker said.

'When you look at (Edinson) Cavani he gives a lot of energy and sometimes sacrifices himself on the back of good positions.

'That's the strength of Cristiano (Ronaldo) now. He's at the end of his career and he completely prioritises how he can score many goals.

'He doesn't want to be pretty or in nice positions, he just tries to disturb the game, distract the defenders and go to the box. That's it.'

United take on derby rivals Manchester City on Sunday with the Red Devils in third place and 14 points behind the table-toppers.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9335099/Manchester-Uniteds-Anthony-Martial-goal-obsessed-like-Cristiano-Ronaldo-says-Louis-Saha.html

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Man United have turned down £50m to keep Anthony Martial but the infuriatingly inconsistent striker MUST deliver the goals to justify this vote of confidence or risk becoming a THIRD-CHOICE forward at Old Trafford

* Manchester United have no intention of selling Anthony Martial this summer
* Inter Milan were reportedly lining up a £50m bid to replace Romelu Lukaku
* French striker has been handed a vote of confidence by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
* Now he must find a purple patch of form during the early weeks of the season
* Otherwise, Martial risk falling behind Cavani and Greenwood at centre forward
* United are also well-stocked for wide attackers, meaning he'll be on the bench

So Anthony Martial will be staying at Manchester United for the season ahead.

Inter Milan were reportedly about to propose a £50million offer for the Frenchman, viewing him as a good replacement for Chelsea-bound Romelu Lukaku.

That Inter viewed the infuriatingly inconsistent Martial on an equal footing to the prolific Lukaku will have raised a few eyebrows among United fans but it's a moot point. Martial won't be sold.


Anthony Martial is back from injury and looks set to play a prominent part in the early season for Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's United won't be selling Martial despite interest from Inter Milan

It's a colossal vote of confidence in a forward who has blown hot and cold throughout his six years at Old Trafford and who was accused by Paul Scholes of 'almost conning' United and worried Roy Keane 'by not looking like he loves the game.'

You get the impression that United are far from convinced too, given they've signed a player in Martial's position in four of the six summer windows plus a January one since he joined from Monaco.

But more by accident than design, the 25-year-old will not only be United's No 9 on the squad list this season but looks set to feature heavily. In the opening few weeks, at least.

Edinson Cavani, the 34-year-old who supplanted the injured Martial as United's first-choice centre forward towards the end of last season, has been granted extra leave following the Copa America.

And Marcus Rashford will be sidelined until October after undergoing surgery to fix a long-standing shoulder injury.


It has been a tale of inconsistency and frustration far too often for Martial at Old Trafford. Martial tends to score goals in fits and starts, moving in and out of scoring form for United

So Martial has a good chance of being picked for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as either United's centre forward or left-sided forward well into the autumn.

Just back from the ruptured knee ligament injury that curtailed his 2020-21 campaign and ended his Euro 2020 chances, Martial should be desperate to silence a few doubters.

But he must be in the last chance saloon at United. Having responded brilliantly to Solskjaer making him first choice centre forward in 2019-20 by scoring 23 times, Martial should have kicked on.

But last season was massively underwhelming even before that injury ended it in late March. Just seven goals in 36 outings simply confirming his inconsistent streak, to the frustration of fans and pundits alike.

Eye-catching performances such as in United's 2-0 win over Manchester City on March 7, in which he won a penalty after 34 seconds, only serve to further irritate.

That came just a week after Solskjaer left Martial out of the team to play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge following a poor run of form.

Keane said on that occasion: 'He doesn't look like he loves the game, which is always a worry.'

Alongside him, Souness opined: 'I think he's a young man who has all the talent in the world to succeed at the highest level but will he be disappointed he's not playing today?

'Does he ever show he has a passion about the game or emotion about the game? He's one of those players that will look back and think, 'I could've done so much more.'

Martial certainly needs to be bothered against Leeds United in the Premier League opener this Saturday and in the weeks ahead because his status in the squad has diminished.

When everyone is fit and available, you can imagine a scenario where Martial is third-choice to both Cavani and Mason Greenwood at centre forward as well as below Rashford and even Paul Pogba - also staying put - on the left.

With Daniel James another option and new £73million arrival Jadon Sancho also capable of playing there, Martial could be seeing a lot of the subs' bench. He just hasn't scored regularly enough to nail down his position.

So Martial needs an electrifying start, to produce the kind of purple patch seen when he first arrived at United as a £58m teenager in September 2015 or, even better, the scoring form he managed to string out for all of 2019-20.

United thought they'd cracked it at that point, only for Martial to begin the following season by getting sent off against Tottenham, scoring just four times before Christmas and then, shockingly, only three times in 21 games before his injury.

Martial ended up joint-fifth among United's goalscorers, equal on seven goals with Scott McTominay. Yes, that's Scott McTominay.

Scholes summed up the thoughts of many last October, saying: 'Martial almost conned us into thinking he was a centre forward at the end of last season because he scored so many goals and was quite good.'

Cavani, a proper centre forward, has left Martial exposed with his own purple patch at the tail end of last season.

The Uruguayan last summer joined Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez and James in being signed, at great expense, after Martial's arrival.

While a club like United will always need squad depth to compete on multiple fronts, this constant return to the transfer market doesn't strike you as a firm belief Martial will become a club legend.

78 goals in 258 matches for United so far is a creditable return but you're still left wanting more.

Solskjaer's side have a favourable opening to the Premier League season and if Martial is to be leading their attack, we need to see him rattling in the goals.

Otherwise, they should have taken that £50m.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9883171/Anthony-Martial-one-chance-deliver-Manchester-United.html

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Anthony Martial hails £42m arrival of 'big-time player' Raphael Varane... and insists his French compatriot won't need much time to adapt and 'bring all his powers' to Manchester United

* Anthony Martial hailed the arrival of signings Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho
* Varane was officially unveiled at Old Trafford before United's 5-1 win over Leeds
* The defender will link up with international team-mates Paul Pogba and Martial
* Varane arrived at United having won four Champions Leagues and a World Cup

Anthony Martial has claimed that 'big-time player' Raphael Varane will 'bring all his powers' to Manchester United and insisted the defender won't 'need too much time' to adapt to the Premier League.

New £42million signing Varane was officially unveiled to the Old Trafford faithful on the pitch before United's 5-1 mauling of Leeds on the opening weekend of the season.

Martial, who won a World Cup alongside the defender for France in 2018, insisted his international team-mate will bring a winning quality to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.


Anthony Martial hailed Raphael Varane as a 'big-time player' after his £42million transfer. Martial believes both new arrivals Varane and Jadon Sancho are 'really great players'

Manchester United have bolstered their ranks with the additions of Varane and England international Jadon Sancho for £76.5m in a successful summer of transfer business and Martial believes both are 'really great players'.

'Varane, I know already, of course,' he told the club's site. 'And the skillset he has, I know he will bring a lot to our team, in addition to his long experience, so we are all really delighted with these two new players we have.'

'Varane is a big-time player,' he added.

'I don't think he [Varane] will need too much time to adapt to his new environment, but I'm there for him for whatever little help or advice he may need.

'He has all his experience, he's a player who has won a lot during the time of his career at Real Madrid and also in the French national team, so I am sure he will bring all his powers, as he really is a top player and I know things are going to go well for him here at United.'

Varane is the latest addition to the French contingent at Old Trafford which includes his international team-mates Paul Pogba and Martial.


The two have played together for the France national team and won a World Cup in 2018

The Red Devils will be hoping to see the trio link up to form a French spine for Les Rouges rather than Les Bleus this season.

Fans missed out on the opportunity to see the three Frenchmen take Old Trafford by storm on Saturday as they will have to wait until Sunday for Varane to make his debut when United clash with Southampton.

However, Pogba got the Theatre of Dreams rocking with four assists that sealed an opening day hat-trick for Bruno Fernandes and helped Mason Greenwood and Fred find the net.

Martial came on as a substitute against Leeds after making his return from a five-month injury in United's last pre-season fixture against Everton.

Varane joined training on Monday following the completion of his move at the weekend and the four-time Champions League winner said he was looking forward to teaming up with his countrymen, particularly Pogba.

'Paul motivates players with his energy,' he said. 'We are different, but very complementary and it's important to have different types of leaders and characters.

'He's ambitious and me too, so we are ready to work hard and do all we can to win trophies.'

Speculation surrounds Pogba's future at United as he has entered the final 12 months of his contract and has yet to agree to an extension.

PSG are reportedly gearing up to make a mega-money offer of £510,000-a-week to Pogba if he joins them on a free next summer.

However, Varane claimed that his countryman is 'very positive' and has 'very good energy' in the dressing room.

'I think Paul is very positive and he has a very good energy; he motivates players in the dressing room and on the pitch with his energy,' he said.

'We are different but we are very complementary, and it's important in the team to have different types of leaders and characters.'

With a World Cup and four Champions Leagues under his belt, Varane's trophy haul is as well established as United's history with French players.

Eric Cantona led the way with four Premier League titles in five years after he joined in 1992 followed by Patrice Evra's success in the 2000s.

Solskjaer, who spent a season playing alongside Cantona, will be hoping the new first-team trio will also go down in the history books as he continues his quest for the first trophy of his tenure.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9900623/Manchester-United-Anthony-Martial-hails-42m-arrival-big-time-player-Raphael-Varane.html

[zudomiriku]

Anthony Martial 'rejected deadline day loan return to Lyon' to fight for his Manchester United place despite the imminent return of Cristiano Ronaldo

* Anthony Martial was reportedly contacted by Lyon late on deadline day
* The France international is subject to interest with his Man United spot unclear
* Martial has played this season but Cristiano Ronaldo will soon return to the side
* In January 2019 Martial signed a new deal keeping him at Old Trafford until 2024

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial turned down the opportunity to rejoin Lyon on transfer deadline day, according to reports.

Huge question marks now hang over the head of the Frenchman, who is under increasing pressure to retain a starting spot at Old Trafford.

Martial has started the campaign slowly and is yet to find the back of the net, with United's frontline soon to be shaken up by the eagerly anticipated return of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Sensing his potential availability, Lyon made a late play for the 25-year-old in hope of securing a loan deal for this season, report L'Equipe.

Lyon found themselves scrambling late in the window and also sounded out Willian and considered free agent Franck Ribery.

Willian cancelled his Arsenal contract in order to move back to his native Brazil with Corinthians, while 38-year-old Ribery was ultimately not contacted by the club, according to the report.


Reports in France claim Anthony Martial turned down a deadline day move back to Lyon. Martial has started the season with United but faces questions over his future in the side. The return of Cristiano Ronaldo and the signing of Jadon Sancho has threatened Martial's spot

After failing to hijack Willian's return to Brazil, Lyon promptly entered discussions with the entourage of Martial over a temporary move but the French international turned down the opportunity.

Martial began his career with Lyon, progressing through the youth ranks before making a name for himself in Ligue 1.

After just one season in the senior side at Lyon, Martial was snapped up by Monaco for €5million (£4.2m) plus add-ons.

United quickly came in to sign the forward in 2015 for £35m, rising to £55m, despite him still being a teenager at the time and unproven in European football.

The forward has three years remaining on his United deal, after penning a lucrative new deal keeping him at Old Trafford until 2024 - with the further option of a one-year extension.

Martial has started the season alongside Mason Greenwood and Dan James in the United front line, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is soon to ring the changes.

On deadline day James sealed a £30m switch to Leeds United, while veteran forward Edinson Cavani is now also returning to full fitness and is likely to start as the striker on the occasions when Ronaldo does not.

Summer signing Jadon Sancho is being slowly bedded into the side, and was handed his first start in the recent slender 1-0 victory over Wolves.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9946479/Anthony-Martial-rejected-deadline-day-loan-return-Lyon-fight-Man-United-place.html

saingan Martial sekarang bukan cuma Cavani, dengan kedatangan Sancho & Ronaldo membuat posisinya terancam, apalagi musim lalu dan 3 pertandingan awal ini Martial belum memberikan performa terbaik. ditambah Greenwood yg mencetak 3 gol di 3 pertandingan awal membuat Ole lebih memainkan Greenwood sbg striker utama dibanding Martial. jadi mestinya Martial mending pindah saja diakhir tahun atau musim depan