Despite massive speculation through the summer, virtually no one in the media foresaw the signing of Anthony Martial by Manchester United on the last day of the window.
You would have to imagine that even the club themselves weren’t prioritising him until other transfer deals failed.
But it was a wise investment because other elite clubs would surely come calling for a player of this talent within a couple of years.
Martial was quiet against PSV but there were still signs that this kid is the real deal. For starters he has incredible pace – an ever more vital quality in the modern game and something that Manchester United were short of.
But, in the absence of a right wing signing, Manchester United would still be lopsided if Martial was to start up top.
We think that Martial has been bought, initially, to inject pace in the wide areas.
He will of course play up top when Rooney is injured.
But the speed that he and Memphis can provide on the flanks sure hasn’t gone unnoticed by Louis van Gaal.
Martial struggled in a congested centre of the park, as Memphis did when he play there in his first few games at United. But the wide role has allowed the Dutchman to express himself more freely and he is improving with every game.
The same should happen with Martial who can use his pace and cunning to run at oppostion full backs and exploit the space in behind.
That would allow the more canny and experienced players to create gaps in the middle of the park.
Rooney will play at number 9 and Manchester United can use either Mata or Herrera in behind him.
We think that Mata is neat and tidy but Herrera has the potential to be a regualr match-winner in there. He is wonderful with the forward pass and has genuine vision when the shackles of a more defensive midfield role are loosened.
So, as the squad stands, we see this as Manchester United’s best front line for the season.
United fans: is this the best front 4?
gaz
Sep 17, 2015 at 11:29 pm
why have you got martial on the left and depay on the right ? surely it should be tha other way round.
jmb53
Sep 18, 2015 at 1:27 am
Why is Rooney in there… He can’t score unless it is a penalty kick. Pereira and Memphis out wide Martial and Herrera inside.
David kena
Sep 18, 2015 at 1:53 am
Put rooney at 10, martial 9, memphis 11, and young at 7. mata to play at 10 sharing with rooney, herera and schweistieger at 8.