Anthony Martial misses Europa League chance to catch Manchester United’s eye

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Manchester United loanee Anthony Martial was back in England last night when Sevilla took on West Ham in the last 16 of the Europa League.

The Spanish outfit were 1-0 up from the first leg but David Moyes’ men overturned that lead. Tomas Soucek took the tie to extra time before Andriy Yarmolenko sealed progression.

For Martial, this was an opportunity to catch United’s eye; to show that he is happier, fitter and more dangerous since his loan exit and that he can do the business on a big night against English opponents.

Instead, he was unable to influence proceedings as West Ham largely dominated the game and sealed a historic win.

Spanish outlet Marca said that the signing of Martial had made the squad bigger but not necessarily stronger as Sevilla struggled to overcome injury absentees last night.

AS wrote: “The six-time Europa League winners, accustomed to heroics, did not deserve much more than to leave the tournament this time.

“They will have to recompose themselves now for what remains, to keep second place, or at least one of the Champions League spots in La Liga.”

That point is pertinent because in Martial’s first interview as a Sevilla player, he stated his aim to win trophies for the club.

Sevilla remain second in La Liga, but are ten points behind leaders Real Madrid and their title challenge looks as good as over.

Earlier this month, they blew a 2-0 first leg lead in their Copa Del Rey semi-final clash with Barcelona to boot.

They had big designs on the Europa League, because of their great record in it but have crashed out at an early stage with a meek performance.

They are on course to qualify for the Champions League, which is more than can be said for United, and that would boost their financial clout, and increase their ability to sign Martial permanently in the summer.

Martial must know he must take a pay cut to make that move but his lack of influence as the game ebbed away was familiar to United fans watching on and his hopes of lifting silverware in Spain this season are all but over.