Anthony Martial admits he loves English football

Many people raised an eyebrow when Manchester United signed Anthony Martial, who was at the time 19-years-old, from French side AS Monaco in the summer. But Martial was quick to silence those critics after scoring a memorable goal at Old Trafford against rivals Liverpool before scoring a brace against Southampton in his second outing for the Red Devils. The France international also became the first United player to win the Premier League player of the month since Robin van Persie in 2013, in his first month in English football.

In my opinion, in what has been a disappointing and underwhelming season so far for United, Anthony Martial has been one of the very few positives. Although, many criticise the young Frenchman for seeming ‘unbothered’ particularly when he misses a few chances, however, in his first in-depth interview with Sky Sports ahead of the Manchester derby our number nine was quick to set the record straight.

“I have always been that way, and people’s opinions will not change it, but one must know that when I fail to score a goal I do get angry with myself. I have always been like that and I have been told that quite a lot.”

Martial has played 39 games for Louis van Gaal’s side this season, which is a lot for a 20-year-old still developing, and the side has been criticised for relying too much on the youngster on some occasions. The forward is United’s second top goal scorer so far this season with 12 goals in all competitions, just two behind the captain Wayne Rooney.

The French star is insistent that he is a striker and admits when he manages to get on the scoresheet he is a happier, although, he adds that he is happy to play anywhere as long as he is helping the team after being used on the left-wing on many occasions by our Dutch manager.

“Foremost I am a striker, it doesn’t bother me at all which position I play, when I am on the pitch I just focus on helping the team that’s all. I just want to help the team, and when I score I am happier, I am a striker and that’s how it goes.”

Despite that, statistically Martial has a better goals to game record when playing out wide as opposed to playing centrally for Manchester United and AS Monaco combined this season. He has scored five times in 26 games as a centre forward, but, six in 16 games when playing on the left flank. Adding to that, the youngster has provided five goals since playing on the left, and just four when playing as a striker.

After winning the 2015 Golden Boy award, which is an award given to the best under 21 player in Europe, voted by journalists from 30 major newspapers across the Europe, he is seemingly enjoying his time in England. He has already branded the Premier League as the best league in the world and insists he wants to remain in the league for many years to come. Which is supposedly music to all United fans ears.

“The Premier League is more physically demanding than Ligue 1. I love English football, it’s the best in the world in my opinion, and I hope to stay here for many years to come. It’s true that the atmosphere here is quite different from the one in France, people live and breathe football here, and that’s what I like, every footballer wants to play in the Premier League.”

The Frenchman is tipped to almost certainly be selected for Didier Deschamps squad for the European Championship in the summer and he admits he enjoys the competitive nature of English football and adds he did not realise until he began playing in the division how physically strong he could be.

“In France it’s easy to know which team is going to win the game, where as in England anywhere you play, you know it’s going to be difficult.

 “I think it made me realise how physically strong I am, I wasn’t aware of it while playing for Monaco, as I wasn’t playing consistently. I think the manager believes in me and I make sure I look after myself as well as my diet in order to be fit for games.”

In my opinion, I feel United have got one of the hottest young talents in world football in our hands and it is clear to see that he has something special when you watch him play week in week out. That cool and calm nature that he struts around with, I kind of like, and it pays off as he rarely seems to panic when in front of goal. He signed for a reportedly hefty price tag and with that carries quite a lot pressure, however, he does not seem fazed. It is true that we probably have relied on him at times and he certainly seems our biggest attacking threat.

Many will disagree, but I personally prefer Martial out wide. Not only because United average a better points per game ratio when playing him out wide, but because that is where I feel it allows him to have more of a say on the game, it involves him more. Many United attackers have looked segregated and lacked service when playing as a striker this season, including Martial when he has played down the middle at times. Him being out wide gives him more freedom, allows him to get the ball at his feet and run at defenders. As a forward Martial averages 45.2 touches per game, but as a winger, he averages 50.9 touches per game, which backs my point. He also averages a better chance creation, successful dribbles and total shots on target ratio when playing out wide, in comparison to him being our out-and-out striker.

It is something that is up for debate, but no one can deny that we have a huge talent on our hands. Personally, for me, he along with David De Gea is in the running to be Manchester United’s player of the season and I would not be surprised to see him handed the award at the end of the campaign.