Anthony Martial: A Tale of Unfulfilled Promise at Manchester United

When Manchester United secured the signature of Anthony Martial in 2015, anticipation soared as many saw him as the heir to the legendary Thierry Henry, 43 days after his £36M move to Manchester United Martial collected the Premier League player of the month. However, as his ninth season at the club nears its end, Martial's tenure reflects more closely the trials of Louis Saha, beset by injuries and untapped potential.

Despite initial acclaim, including winning the prestigious 2015 Golden Boy Award, Martial's time at Old Trafford has been marked by inconsistency and fitness setbacks. Over his nine-year spell, he amassed 342 appearances and found the net 89 times for the Red Devils.

His standout campaign arrived in 2019–20 when he notched an impressive 23 goals across all competitions, earning him the coveted Manchester United Players' Player of the Year accolade. Throughout his tenure, Martial played a pivotal role in securing six trophies for the club.

However, his inability to sustain peak fitness levels and replicate his best form consistently has left supporters and pundits alike disheartened. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, Martial's legacy at United is overshadowed by unmet expectations and a lingering sense of unrealized potential.

As Martial bid farewell to the fans at Old Trafford during United 3-2 win over Newcastle United, his legacy will be one of pondering what might have been, rather than the triumphant chapter many had hoped for in Manchester United's illustrious history.