Anthony Martial could prove to be a bargain

Young French striker Anthony Martial has made a bright start to his Manchester united career

Manchester United moved to the top of the Premier League table at the weekend with a 3-0 victory over Sunderland at Old Trafford.

The victory was a comfortable one, and saw another influential contribution from United’s young French striker Anthony Martial, as he collected an assist, and also produced a good all round performance.

Influential

In all three of his Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, Martial has either produced an assist, or a goal. The 19-year-old has already made himself an influential figure in the United team, despite his tender years.

Gamble

The signing of Martial by Louis van Gaal was regarded as a gamble, because the youngster cost the Red Devils an initial £36million from Monaco, which could rise to an eye-watering £58million with add-ons.

The likes of Arsenal and PSG had previously been linked with moves for the youngster, but both must have baulked at the hefty price tag. That price tag may not look as big in the future if Martial continues in a similar vein to his recent displays.

Promising

The youngster seems like a level-headed guy, and it looks unlikely that he will get carried away anytime soon. Some questioned his attitude and mentality after his move to United. His determination had been questioned by one former-boss at Monaco.

However, none of that has shown in Martial’s early displays for the Red Devils. All that he has shown is his immense potential to improve in the future, and possibly even justify that big transfer fee.

Attributes

Despite it being early in Martial’s career, he has already shown flashes of his attributes. He has pace, movement, strength and it seems intelligence as well.

The Manchester United attack missed pace last season, as the likes of Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and Wayne Rooney struggled for fitness and form. Martial gives United that pace, and the option of hitting the ball over the top of the opposition defence, an option the Red Devils do not have with Wayne Rooney as the focal point of the attack.

Composure

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Martial’s short career at United has been the youngsters finishing and composure. The French striker has scored three goals from just five shots in the Premier League so far.

At Monaco he was not exactly prolific, so there was little suggestion that he would be so clinical in front of goal in the Premier League. The youngster has shown so far that he can be clinical in front goal, which is vital for a top-level striker.

Over-hyped

The youngster has made a promising start to his United career, but there is a danger that he could get over-hyped by the British media (I know it’s slightly ironic).

A number of youngsters have made bright starts to their Premier League careers, but have faded and dropped down the leagues, or even worse out of the game completely.

Martial does not seem to be the sort of guy who will let fame and fortune distract him from becoming a top player. It has now became famous that he stated he prefers a night in with his wife and their son than a night out on the tiles, so it seems unlikely he is going to let the lifestyle get to him.

Positive

The start of Anthony Martial’s United career has certainly been impressive. I doubt many people would have expected the youngster to settle into life in England so quickly, not even the player himself.

Martial has helped the Red Devils to the top of the Premier League table. If he can continue to have such an influential on the United team, then the youngster may just prove to be a real bargain and become a United star for years to come.

Will Anthony Martial fulfil his potential at Manchester United?