Exploring Anthony Martial record v Everton ahead of potential start this weekend

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There was a collective wince around Old Trafford when Rasmus Hojlund went down holding his hamstring during the 1-0 win over Luton Town.

The facts are that the Manchester United forward line without the 20-year-old Danish striker is certainly bare, and Erik ten Hag may have to rely on a forgotten man, Anthony Martial.

Martial, who has been at the club for nearly a decade following his move from AS Monaco, is surely in the last chance saloon territory before he will be allowed to leave Old Trafford.

The French forward has just months left on the United contract he signed back in the winter of 2019 and he is one of a number of players who will see their contracts expire next summer.

Martial to start against Everton

Depending on how severe Rasmus Hojlund’s injury is, the Frenchman may well have to start at Goodison Park but Martial actually has a good record against the Toffees.

The 26-year-old has eight goals against the Toffees. This is more goals than he has scored against any other team in his career, followed by West Ham with six.

He also has four assists against Everton, and Manchester United have never lost when Martial has scored against them, winning seven and drawing one.

Here is a breakdown of his strikes against Everton…

• 1-0 win in 2016 at Old Trafford (Premier League)
• 2-1 win in 2016 at Wembley (FA Cup semi-final)
• 4-0 win in 2017 at Old Trafford (Premier League)
• 2-0 win in 2018 at Goodison Park (Premier League)
• 2-1 win in 2019 at Old Trafford (Premier League)
• 2-0 win in 2020 at Goodison Park (Carabao Cup)
• 1-1 draw in 2021 at Old Trafford (Premier League)
• 2-0 win in 2023 at Old Trafford (Premier League)

With the Frenchman struggling to perform for the Red Devils this season, perhaps starting the forward based on who he has excelled against in the past may be the only way to bring the best out of him.

An away game against Everton at Goodison Park will always be a tough place to go, especially given the current circumstances around the Merseyside club, this may be the worst time possible to play them.

Sean Dyche’s side have been slapped with a 10-point deduction following their alleged breaking of Financial Fair Play rules and could face a hefty £300 million bill according to the Daily Mail.

With how soft mentally United can be at times, taking on Everton at Goodison Park in the current circumstances is exactly the type of fixture that would see the Red Devils crumble.

United will need to take control of the occasion and despite all of Martial’s faults, the Frenchman can hold the ball up very effectively.

Ten Hag’s options

If the Dutchman doesn’t fancy playing Martial, then he could play Marcus Rashford up front with Alejandro Garnacho on the left but the Englishman’s goalscoring struggles may mean sticking him upfront would not be a great idea.

Christian Eriksen has featured as a false nine before and he could be the ideal man if the possession-based approach is required.

The left-field option could be to play Scott McTominay as a striker, the Scottish midfielder shone for his national team once again this week and could be ready to play further up the field.

The Dutchman has options but Martial should be the man to be given his chance, which will surely be his final chance to impress.