Anthony Martial is already looking to put the disappointment of the Europa League behind him as he prepares for the 2020/21 season.
United’s players do not return to training until next week and Martial is still on holiday with his family.
The Frenchman still found time to get in a gym session and keep up his conditioning.
He posted a short video on his Instagram story feed, showing concentration as he worked out.
Determined to get better
Martial had a great season for United in 2019/20 as he struck 23 first team goals. It could have been more if not for injury.
The challenge ahead is to prove it is not a one-off, and to show he deserves to continue to lead the line.
Odion Ighalo’s loan deal expires mid-season and United will be looking for a replacement when it does.
United will likely look for a younger, more dynamic striker, who will pose more of a first team threat to Martial.
The Frenchman then needs to stay at the top of his game to hold onto his place amid incoming competition.
The pressure at Manchester United never goes away. One moment he was being hailed as ‘world class’ by pundits after the Europa League quarter-final, and then being questioned a game later after the club’s elimination.
It is good to see him looking focused even ahead of the Premier League restart, with United returning to action on September 19.
Anthony Martial’s journey at Manchester United so far
- Fantastic debut season
United paid an initial £36 million fee to sign Martial from Monaco which could rise to £58 million. He enjoyed a dream start with a memorable debut goal at Old Trafford against Liverpool. Martial netted 17 goals including an impressive FA Cup semi-final winner against Everton as United went on to win the trophy.
- Moved aside under Mourinho
Martial was stripped of the number nine shirt for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, which summed up his decreased involvement in Jose Mourinho’s plans. Martial was reduced to a bit-part squad player, featuring from the left. He scored eight goals in 2016/17, followed by 11, and 12 the next two seasons.
- Back as a number nine
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave Martial his favoured number nine shirt back and restored him to a central striker role. It was a decision which paid off with Martial grabbing the opportunity and looking hungrier than goals than ever. He ended the 2019/20 season with 23 goals and eight assists, his best tally for both.
- Then it fell apart
Martial started the 2020/21 season poorly, with no goals in three games and one red card, and then Edinson Cavani was brought in. Martial failed to respond well to the competition and scored just seven goals all season and missed out on Euro 2020 due to injury. He then scored just one goal in 2021/22 as he fell further down the pecking order after Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, and has now left for Sevilla on loan.
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