Martial has got to remain at United | No, he hasn't been unfollowing United players on Instagram

[Damien]

Martial is 22 at that age Ronaldo was the runner up for the balón d’or. You’re right the same was said about Ronaldo but much earlier into his United career. Which really goes to show the lack of progress from Martial 3 years into his United career.

Ronaldo's breakthrough season was in his fourth season at the club. Ronaldo's third season:

During his third season in England, Ronaldo was involved in several incidents. He had a one-match ban imposed on him by UEFA for a "one-fingered gesture" towards Benfica fans,[57] and was sent off in the Manchester derby—a 3–1 defeat—for kicking Manchester City's former United player Andy Cole.[58] Ronaldo clashed with a teammate, striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took offence at the winger's showboating style of play.[59] Following a training ground fight in January 2006, the two again fought in May, with Van Nistelrooy telling Ronaldo to "go crying to your daddy", a reference to Ronaldo's relationship with assistant manager Carlos Queiroz.[60] Van Nistelrooy was left on the substitutes' bench for the final game of the season against Charlton Athletic—a 4–0 victory in which Ronaldo scored his ninth league goal.[61][62] Following the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in which he was involved in an incident where club teammate Wayne Rooney was sent off,[63][64] Ronaldo publicly asked for a transfer, lamenting the lack of support he felt he had received from the club over the incident.[65][66] United, however, denied the possibility of him leaving the club.[67][68]

Ronaldo's time at the club (courtesy of @Mrs Smoker):

And now Martial's time plus comparison to Ronaldo's time:

Interesting thread around this time during Ronaldo's third season at the club. He divided opinion a fair bit then too.

Ronaldo will become a very very good player in a few years. That's if he develops a footballing brain. Rooney though, will be on a completely different level when he hits his peak in say 6 years time.

You're right that at the same age Martial is now, Ronaldo was runner up for the Ballon d'Or but three years into both United careers, they had their ups and downs. Main difference is Ronaldo consistently got a lot of playing time through the good times and the bad whereas Martial's has been decreasing season on season.

Despite all that, I don't get why people keep comparing Martial to one of the best players in the history of the game. He's his own player and not many reach the pinnacle. He'd do well to get close and I don't think that will be happening here at least.

 

[Ali Dia]

Ronaldo's breakthrough season was in his fourth season at the club. Ronaldo's third season:



Ronaldo's time at the club (courtesy of @Mrs Smoker):

And now Martial's time plus comparison to Ronaldo's time:

Interesting thread around this time during Ronaldo's third season at the club. He divided opinion a fair bit then too.



You're right that at the same age Martial is now, Ronaldo was runner up for the Ballon d'Or but three years into both United careers, they had their ups and downs. Main difference is Ronaldo consistently got a lot of playing time through the good times and the bad whereas Martial's has been decreasing season on season.

Despite all that, I don't get why people keep comparing Martial to one of the best players in the history of the game. He's his own player and not many reach the pinnacle. He'd do well to get close and I don't think that will be happening here at least.

Really good post.
I’d be gutted to see him go and dominate for another team. I thought he’d started to turn the corner here again with his last few pre Sanchez performances.

 

[Silas]

Ronaldo's breakthrough season was in his fourth season at the club. Ronaldo's third season:



Ronaldo's time at the club (courtesy of @Mrs Smoker):

And now Martial's time plus comparison to Ronaldo's time:

Interesting thread around this time during Ronaldo's third season at the club. He divided opinion a fair bit then too.



You're right that at the same age Martial is now, Ronaldo was runner up for the Ballon d'Or but three years into both United careers, they had their ups and downs. Main difference is Ronaldo consistently got a lot of playing time through the good times and the bad whereas Martial's has been decreasing season on season.

Despite all that, I don't get why people keep comparing Martial to one of the best players in the history of the game. He's his own player and not many reach the pinnacle. He'd do well to get close and I don't think that will be happening here at least.

Puts things into perspective nicely.

 

[roonster09]

Post with stats.

Superb post. Shame few of our fans can't see how talented he is. Will be big shame if he moves to different club.

 

[Sterling Archer]

Ronaldo's breakthrough season was in his fourth season at the club. Ronaldo's third season:



Ronaldo's time at the club (courtesy of @Mrs Smoker):

And now Martial's time plus comparison to Ronaldo's time:

Interesting thread around this time during Ronaldo's third season at the club. He divided opinion a fair bit then too.



You're right that at the same age Martial is now, Ronaldo was runner up for the Ballon d'Or but three years into both United careers, they had their ups and downs. Main difference is Ronaldo consistently got a lot of playing time through the good times and the bad whereas Martial's has been decreasing season on season.

Despite all that, I don't get why people keep comparing Martial to one of the best players in the history of the game. He's his own player and not many reach the pinnacle. He'd do well to get close and I don't think that will be happening here at least.

One thing that sets the young Ronaldo and Martial apart already? Attitude. I've yet to hear about the latter being first in training and the last out, working on his weaknesses.

 

[Member 90678]

Puts things into perspective nicely.

Superb post. Shame few of our fans can't see how talented he is. Will be big shame if he moves to different club.

The fact that Ronaldo was runner up for the bal'on d'or after his 3rd season here with stats comparable to martial highlights that the use of stats as a gauge for how good a player is , is utter tosh!

 

[Micky Targaryen]

Jaysus, the hyping over Martial in this thread is a bit OTT. Look, Martial is a talented player, I'd like it if he stayed, but the way this thread is going, it's as if he is bang on to be the next Ronaldo/Messi. I can't recall the last player we had to be as overhyped as Martial. Seriously, what has he done to warrant such a big reaction? Yes, he has some flair, has potential to be an exciting player, and possibly has a high ceiling, but guess what? So does loads of other players too!

I remember when we were linked to Sanchez, if I recall correctly, the Caf were pretty much agreeable on the signing. But now it sounds like signing an instant star in Sanchez is a bad move, because it hinders Martial's progress.

What's even more ridiculous in this thread is that the narrative is it all boils down to Jose. Relax guys, Martial is still young, he should show some patience and keep his head up, as it is with all young players. I don't even know where all these rumours of him leaving started in the first place. If he's good enough, he's old enough. If he leaves, good luck to him, as I doubt he will be an absolute world class star as many believe him to be. If he stays, then fair play to him for being patient and continue to fight for a place.

I'd be more gutted to lose Rashford tbh, and not just because he's "local".

 

[roonster09]

The fact that Ronaldo was runner up for the bal'on d'or after his 3rd season here with stats comparable to martial highlights that the use of stats as a gauge for how good a player is , is utter tosh!

Ronaldo was runner up after his fourth season.

 

[borrays]

Younger fans watched too much of

Everyone was saying the same thing about Ronaldo at that age, but Fergie kept faith with him and kept playing him. Not saying Martial will turn out to be anywhere near Ronaldo quality.

Yeah but Cristiano also had to face competition for his spot and to his credit he never once back down from it.
also You guys watched too much Ronaldo and Messi that you think every player must hit peak at early age otherwise they need to feck off.

 

[togg]

Jaysus, the hyping over Martial in this thread is a bit OTT. Look, Martial is a talented player, I'd like it if he stayed, but the way this thread is going, it's as if he is bang on to be the next Ronaldo/Messi. I can't recall the last player we had to be as overhyped as Martial. Seriously, what has he done to warrant such a big reaction? Yes, he has some flair, has potential to be an exciting player, and possibly has a high ceiling, but guess what? So does loads of other players too!

I remember when we were linked to Sanchez, if I recall correctly, the Caf were pretty much agreeable on the signing. But now it sounds like signing an instant star in Sanchez is a bad move, because it hinders Martial's progress.

What's even more ridiculous in this thread is that the narrative is it all boils down to Jose. Relax guys, Martial is still young, he should show some patience and keep his head up, as it is with all young players. I don't even know where all these rumours of him leaving started in the first place. If he's good enough, he's old enough. If he leaves, good luck to him, as I doubt he will be an absolute world class star as many believe him to be. If he stays, then fair play to him for being patient and continue to fight for a place.

I'd be more gutted to lose Rashford tbh, and not just because he's "local".

Yeah, I'm with you on this one. The Marital fandom is quite strange really. I think it's because, in the beginning, he was beacon of hope amidst a period of horrible mediocrity and fan depression. We've sold much more talented players in the past and moved on without this sort of outcry that is for sure.

 

[reddevil702]

Ronaldo's breakthrough season was in his fourth season at the club. Ronaldo's third season:



Ronaldo's time at the club (courtesy of @Mrs Smoker):

And now Martial's time plus comparison to Ronaldo's time:

Interesting thread around this time during Ronaldo's third season at the club. He divided opinion a fair bit then too.



You're right that at the same age Martial is now, Ronaldo was runner up for the Ballon d'Or but three years into both United careers, they had their ups and downs. Main difference is Ronaldo consistently got a lot of playing time through the good times and the bad whereas Martial's has been decreasing season on season.

Despite all that, I don't get why people keep comparing Martial to one of the best players in the history of the game. He's his own player and not many reach the pinnacle. He'd do well to get close and I don't think that will be happening here at least.

Great post! Will be very interesting to see if Martial can keep it going.

 

[The_Order]

Ronaldo's breakthrough season was in his fourth season at the club. Ronaldo's third season:



Ronaldo's time at the club (courtesy of @Mrs Smoker):

And now Martial's time plus comparison to Ronaldo's time:

Interesting thread around this time during Ronaldo's third season at the club. He divided opinion a fair bit then too.



You're right that at the same age Martial is now, Ronaldo was runner up for the Ballon d'Or but three years into both United careers, they had their ups and downs. Main difference is Ronaldo consistently got a lot of playing time through the good times and the bad whereas Martial's has been decreasing season on season.

Despite all that, I don't get why people keep comparing Martial to one of the best players in the history of the game. He's his own player and not many reach the pinnacle. He'd do well to get close and I don't think that will be happening here at least.

No, Martial ain't shit,

who needs a young potential world beater for the future when we can have a 30 year old now?

Take your logic and facts and figures and go away, you won't fool me with impreical evidence.

 

[ZAGREB RED]

Don't want to see him leave. Huge potential, I think people sometimes forget how young he actually is at times. Hopefully a lot more to come from him in a United shirt for a few years to some.

 

[poleglass red]

jaysus those screenshots remind me of teletext

 

[OldTrevil]

Great post! Will be very interesting to see if Martial can keep it going.

He delivers when played so I'd give him a chance to get close, one of the best young talents we've had since Cristiano. It would be a stupid decision not to keep him, unless of course he wants to go which I wouldn't blame him at all at this point.

 

[reddevil702]

No, Martial ain't shit,

who needs a young potential world beater for the future when we can have a 30 year old now?

Take your logic and facts and figures and go away, you won't fool me with impreical evidence.

His talent isn't in question. He just happens to play his best in 2 positions where we currently have players that are better than him right now and another potential world beater fighting for minutes as well. Very similar to the problem Madird has with Isco and maybe even Kovacic. Why is it crazy to expect a 22 y/o to fight for minutes and earn his spot? No different than what is being asked of Rashford & Lingard.

 

[reddevil702]

He delivers when played so I'd give him a chance to get close, one of the best young talents we've had since Cristiano. It would be a stupid decision not to keep him, unless of course he wants to go which I wouldn't blame him at all at this point.

He has, but would you play him over Sanchez?

 

[rooney2009]

He has, but would you play him over Sanchez?

Yes

 

[McGrathsipan]

He delivers when played so I'd give him a chance to get close, one of the best young talents we've had since Cristiano. It would be a stupid decision not to keep him, unless of course he wants to go which I wouldn't blame him at all at this point.

Hes hit and miss at best.

Bags of Talent.
Lazy player.

Still hope he stays. Another manager might see him reach his potential

 

[dbryan]

I do wonder why Jose doesn't play him or Rashford up top more or play with two strikers every now and then?

I really like the lad and think he is class. I can understand why he maybe wants to leave but he should stay and fight for his place.

If we did sell him how much would he go for? also do you guys reckon the Barcas and Madrid's would be interested in him?

 

[Damien]

I do wonder why Jose doesn't play him or Rashford up top more or play with two strikers every now and then?

I really like the lad and think he is class. I can understand why he maybe wants to leave but he should stay and fight for his place.

If we did sell him how much would he go for? also do you guys reckon the Barcas and Madrid's would be interested in him?

Nah, both are stacked. Tier or two below is probably his best bet but whether they'd have the money to pay the asking price we'd want is another matter.

 

[Mihai92]

If he leaves, I wish him good luck and I hope the board will use the money they get on him to buy a feckin proper RW. Or, who knows, use him for an eventual exchange .

 

[Miscemayl]

Sanchez just joined the team and think he had the most assist in Feb and March.

Are we really saying we should not be playing him and play Martial instead?

Everyone says play Sanchez on the right, why don't we play Martial on the right? Who's fault is it that he isn't versatile enough to play there? How would it make sense to make our star player to play in a weaker position just so we can play an inconsistent youngster (with a lot of potential)? To be honest, even if we move Sanchez to the right, there's still no guarantee Martial will play over Rashford. For all his talent, he is not a guarantee even when just fighting with Rashford.

These guys need to understand you'll get competition at the top level and they are not good enough to be starters here, yet.

They can either keep improving and fight for the position, or they can take the easy way and move on. If they do, good luck but we will be fine.

There's no club at the elite level that would bench (for an extended period) a starter or move him to a weaker position just to open up a spot for someone with potential. Maybe when we have nothing to fight for perhaps but right now, you want to play your best team.

And using this to beat Mourinho is boring and lazy when every manager at the top level do this. Sure, there's KDB and Salah, but that's 2 out of all the players he's sold? Should we also discuss Pique or Pogba? Almost every top player has been sold at some point, do we laugh at those managers too? KDB went to Wolfsburg, that's a step down. He wasn't good enough to play for the top tier yet and hence none of the top tier clubs went for him. Do we laugh at the managers at the Bayern, Real, us, and other top clubs for not buying him at the time? Likewise, Salah went to Roma. If he was such an obvious talent and Mourinho was such an idiot for selling him, why didn't any other top clubs come in to buy him?

Hindsight is great but it doesn't make it a bad decision at the time. And both times, I believe the player asked to leave rather than the club flogging them off. Perhaps Jose could've just made them stay but he's the bad guy now for caring about the players?

 

[Member 5225]

Jaysus, the hyping over Martial in this thread is a bit OTT. Look, Martial is a talented player, I'd like it if he stayed, but the way this thread is going, it's as if he is bang on to be the next Ronaldo/Messi. I can't recall the last player we had to be as overhyped as Martial. Seriously, what has he done to warrant such a big reaction? Yes, he has some flair, has potential to be an exciting player, and possibly has a high ceiling, but guess what? So does loads of other players too!

I remember when we were linked to Sanchez, if I recall correctly, the Caf were pretty much agreeable on the signing. But now it sounds like signing an instant star in Sanchez is a bad move, because it hinders Martial's progress.

What's even more ridiculous in this thread is that the narrative is it all boils down to Jose. Relax guys, Martial is still young, he should show some patience and keep his head up, as it is with all young players. I don't even know where all these rumours of him leaving started in the first place. If he's good enough, he's old enough. If he leaves, good luck to him, as I doubt he will be an absolute world class star as many believe him to be. If he stays, then fair play to him for being patient and continue to fight for a place.

I'd be more gutted to lose Rashford tbh, and not just because he's "local".

Have to say, agree with this post.
No one is debating whether he has talent, but the debate is how high is his ceiling (esp considering his mental state to us that don't think he'll end up creme de le creme).

 

[Hojoon]

Have to say, agree with this post.
No one is debating whether he has talent, but the debate is how high is his ceiling (esp considering his mental state to us that don't think he'll end up creme de le creme).

He's a great talent but he's not close to creme de la creme, from France alone there are three better in Mbappe, Dembele, and Lemar and that's not including the likes of Pogba and Umtiti who have established themselves for years.

 

[Hawks2008]

No, Martial ain't shit,

who needs a young potential world beater for the future when we can have a 30 year old now?

Take your logic and facts and figures and go away, you won't fool me with impreical evidence.

Well you see, we're actually playing the long con on this one. Sell Martial now, bring in some 29 y/o who runs around a lot or something, and then in 2-3 years when this new winger and Sanchez are shot to shit we bring Martial back as he's entering his prime for a large fee and make a huge Pogba-esque marketing campaign to sell shirts and get the club trending on twitter for a bit. It's a 200 IQ move on the club's part.

 

[OldTrevil]

He has, but would you play him over Sanchez?

I would play Sanchez on the right, but most of all the competition has to be fair. If a player is on form he has to keep playing regardless of age or status.

 

[ghagua]

Younger fans watched too much of


Yeah but Cristiano also had to face competition for his spot and to his credit he never once back down from it.
also You guys watched too much Ronaldo and Messi that you think every player must hit peak at early age otherwise they need to feck off.

What the feck are you on about? I am actually supporting Martial and Rashford saying that people used to say the same shite about Ronaldo before he exploded onto the scene. Ronaldo and Messi are once in a generation type of players and I do not expect Martial or Rashford to get anywhere close to the level that they're at.

 

[Nikelesh Reddy]

The problem is that it is impossible in this day and age to sit back and allow a talented youngster to slowly develop .in the premier lge we have created a monster with instant success the requirement of all our top teams hence the ridiculous management merry go round every season.
A top manager knows he doesn't have the luxury of surviving a bad season even if he won the title the previous campaign .
A season outside of champions lge places is deemed a disaster and a sackable offence hence managers are far more likely to take the the option of buying a "proven " Sanchez rather than the risk of developing a Martial because they know that although we like to talk about looking longevity and continuity no football fans ( or owners come to that ) will be patient.
I hope Martial stays but don't believe he will and I won't lose sleep over it as you can virtually guarantee that 90 % of articles written about him still contain the word potential and after all this time I don't think that is acceptable

I agree broadly with your point,but I wouldn't say that it's "impossible" to allow a talented youngster the time to develop in the PL...it just depends on how talented the youngster is.If the lad is at the same level as a young Wayne Rooney or a Ronaldo,then yes,even the top clubs will have the patience to nurture them....But if the kids are a notch below the top top level,if they are like Martial(or even Marcus for that matter),the top clubs will run out of patience...

Are Martial and Rashford at the same level as a 21 year old Rooney/Ronaldo?The answer is clearly no...So we can afford to play one of them 2 in the starting 11 consistently and Jose will definitely pick Rashford ahead of Martial,and quite rightly so....

 

[MDFC Manager]

He's a great talent but he's not close to creme de la creme, from France alone there are three better in Mbappe, Dembele, and Lemar and that's not including the likes of Pogba and Umtiti who have established themselves for years.

Lemar isn't better than our Tony. Dembele is about on par as well.

 

[TheReligion]

So who has signed Martial then? Or are we still all speculating over nothing and talking utter nonsense?

 

[RedRonaldo]

He is going to be the new Salah

 

[Member 90678]

He is going to be the new Salah

Oh that's great, just another 3-4 years of average football before he has a golden season!

 

[FrenchRed]

One thing that sets the young Ronaldo and Martial apart already? Attitude. I've yet to hear about the latter being first in training and the last out, working on his weaknesses.

Exactly - regardless of anything Ronaldo has won or done, the thing that strikes me most is the dedication to making the most of his talent. Yes he has world class talent, but he has honed himself and his play, never letting up in a quest to be the very very best. This shines through in his appearances on the pitch, the passion and also the petulance when other around him don't live up to the standard he sets - from the very start he was a real presence on the pitch (I was there for his first game and it was obvious). This season when everyone said he was slipping, he has doubled down and been frankly amazing.

I don't see this with Martial. He is languid walking around the pitch, never seems too bothered by anything, way way too laid back. It's not a 'continental' French things either, you never saw Cantona, Ginaola, Henry, Pires displaying the same demeanor. It is him - I honestly think that it's come to him too early in some ways and he thinks he doesn't have to work for it.

We never hear about how he stays late after training working on aspects of his game like Cantona, Ronaldo, Beckham and the other 'greats'. I'd not be upset if he went and we replaced him with a lesser, but much more dedicated hardworking player. If he was good enough and had the right attitude, he'd play, he'd force his way into the team and make it impossible to leave him out - he is not owed a place.

 

[borrays]

What the feck are you on about? I am actually supporting Martial and Rashford saying that people used to say the same shite about Ronaldo before he exploded onto the scene. Ronaldo and Messi are once in a generation type of players and I do not expect Martial or Rashford to get anywhere close to the level that they're at.

No one is doubting Martial's talent all i'm saying was lot ot fan think that every talented youngsters have to cement their place in the starting IX since their tender years. Martial is 22, at same age Beckham, Scholes, Xavi, Iniesta were still learning their trades. Not every talented youngsters could be Ronaldo or Messi.
Sanchez is about to hit 30 soon, & Martial basically has 4 positions to play, with less talented players to compete with. if he doesnt have patience or will to compete with the others, well all i can say is good bye and good luck.

 

[Litch]

Bags of potential but the games more that just going forward. This way of playing is applicable to most of the top teams and It's not a natural part of his game and although in fairness to him, is better this season but no where enough especially when you look at Sanchez. Last week for example can't imagine Martial tackling the right back drawing the foul that lead to the 3rd goal?

Might be premature but it's not Sanchez he should be worrying about, there's a young lad called Chong who I believe is the best young player I've seen here in a decade.....

 

[divad]

I agree broadly with your point,but I wouldn't say that it's "impossible" to allow a talented youngster the time to develop in the PL...it just depends on how talented the youngster is.If the lad is at the same level as a young Wayne Rooney or a Ronaldo,then yes,even the top clubs will have the patience to nurture them....But if the kids are a notch below the top top level,if they are like Martial(or even Marcus for that matter),the top clubs will run out of patience...

Are Martial and Rashford at the same level as a 21 year old Rooney/Ronaldo?The answer is clearly no...So we can afford to play one of them 2 in the starting 11 consistently and Jose will definitely pick Rashford ahead of Martial,and quite rightly so....

there is nothing right with picking kick and run merchant Rashford over martial, honestly if rashford wasn't from the academy there wouldn't be any hype, i have not seen anything special about him other than good longshots and pace (wich he uses horrybly)

 

[davidmichael]

If we’re to genuinely challenge for the title next season and be a force in Europe then we need strength and quality in depth, there’s no saying if Sanchez will actually get back to his prior form of the previous couple of seasons before this current one and Rashford is wasted on the left in my opinion.

Martial long term most likely won’t be another Ronaldo (Ronaldo is what would usually be a once in a generation player) but I think as a left sided attacker that’s playing week in week out in a season or two he will most likely be one of the best in Europe, Martial has potential to be world class and even Ronaldo took 4 seasons to get to that level.

If we went into next season with a new right forward and Lingard for the right, Sanchez and Martial for the left and then Lukaku and Rashford as central strikers I’d be very happy. Football is a squad game and we need quality through the squad after a few seasons of filler and average packing out the squad, if Martial was sold Jose would complain that we didn’t have enough quality in our squad as he’s already done before.

 

[Sky1981]

Bags of potential but the games more that just going forward. This way of playing is applicable to most of the top teams and It's not a natural part of his game and although in fairness to him, is better this season but no where enough especially when you look at Sanchez. Last week for example can't imagine Martial tackling the right back drawing the foul that lead to the 3rd goal?

Might be premature but it's not Sanchez he should be worrying about, there's a young lad called Chong who I believe is the best young player I've seen here in a decade.....

We said that part about the best youth in a decades too often. Morisson, wilson, januzaj and there's no guarantee theyll make it.

 

[Litch]

We said that part about the best youth in a decades too often. Morisson, wilson, januzaj and there's no guarantee theyll make it.

No guarantee even when you sign talent for record fees. Ironically, that's why we are having this discussion about Martial. Like said no guarantees in football but there is something about this lad that just has star quality. Time will tell....