Anthony Martial has confirmed his exit from Manchester United after nine years at the club.
Anthony Martial has confirmed his exit from Manchester United pending the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
His United career has stalled in recent seasons but there have been good times and here is a look at five of the best moments he has had in a red shirt…
Debut stunner against Liverpool
Martial’s debut came as a substitute against Liverpool in September 2015, near the start of Louis van Gaal‘s second season in charge.
The Frenchman announced himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a stunning solo goal to clinch a 3-1 victory against United’s bitterest rivals.
The goal showcased Martial at his very best; full of pace and directness, not afraid to take anyone on. It was a stunning introduction to life in a red shirt.
Late FA Cup semi-final winner
United won the FA Cup at the end of 2015/16 and that triumph owed a lot to Martial’s decisive late contribution in the semi-final.
The clash with Everton was finely poised at 1-1, with David de Gea having already saved Romelu Lukaku’s penalty to keep United level as the 90 minutes ticked towards their conclusion.
But Martial produced a calm last-gasp finish to send the United fans wild at Wembley, clinching a dramatic victory. The following month, United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 to lift the famous old trophy.
Derby day masterclass
Martial led the line in United’s last Premier League game before the first lockdown, a Manchester derby clash at Old Trafford.
He opened the scoring after a smart free-kick routine involving Bruno Fernandes, setting United on their way to win 2-0.
A similarly impressive all-round display in March 2021 also deserves credit, as United won by the same scoreline at the Etihad Stadium.
Martial did not score that day, but looked like the complete centre-forward as he combined hold-up play with running in behind, serving a reminder of how good he could be when he was on his game.
United’s first hat-trick of the post Fergie era
United had not scored a hat-trick since Robin van Persie‘s against Aston Villa in May 2013 before the clash with Sheffield United in June 2020.
Martial scored all three of United’s goals in the 3-0 victory over Chris Wilder’s side, as he showcased impressive penalty box instincts and composure.
That season, Martial scored 23 goals and laid on another 12 across all competitions, as he enjoyed his most prolific campaign as a United player. Unfortunately, he failed to build on that.
Impressive sub appearance in historic win
Martial was only introduced at half-time in United’s historic 9-0 victory over Southampton in February 2021, but he still managed to score twice and get an assist.
That night, he showcased a desire to get amongst the goals and was ruthless when the opportunities came his way against opponents who were already well beaten.
The margin of victory was the joint highest-ever in Premier League history and Martial’s involvement means he has played his part in a famous night.
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