Is Anthony Martial Reaping the Benefits of Mourinho’s Tough Love?

Deya Mwaibong
Aug 25, 2017 · 3 min read
Anthony Martial celebrates after coming from the bench to score on his debut against Liverpool at Old Trafford

Anthony Martial arrived from Monaco as a relatively unknown 19 year old, at least for majority of United fans. Many were wondering why Van Gaal had gone out to spend so much on an untested talent, the debate was whether the kid represented value for money at the time or not.

But the wait for an answer to that debate was not to be long, Martial got his chance to introduce himself to the world against bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford and he did not disappoint. Picking up the ball from Ashley Young on the left flank he drove inside on his right foot, and literally skinned Martin Skrtel alive before calmly slotting the ball past Simon Mignolet and Old Trafford erupted in cheers, a new star had been born…It was the kind of script written for movies. He went on to score 17 goals and 11 assists all through the season in what turned out to be a very difficult year for United and Van Gaal was sacked.

Sulking-Tony Martial

With Van Gaal gone, Martial began the season under Mourinho in somewhat controversial circumstances. The club decided to hand over his favorite No 9 shirt to Zlatan Ibrahimovic without consulting him and he felt disappointed. Rumors has it that Martial had gotten a trademark for his name and the No 9 shirt as “AM9” to market his brand just like what Cristiano does with his CR7 brand.

Martial looked unhappy and was a shadow of his first explosive season on the pitch. With other problems behind the scene, there was talk that he was not giving his best in training and wanted out of United. Sensing that Martial was listening to bad advise, Mourinho adviced him to focus.

“With Martial every day I read the newspaper, ‘Anthony Martial goes to Sevilla, Anthony Martial goes on loan, Anthony Martial is not happy’. Anthony Martial has to listen to me.”

“Martial has to listen to me and not his agent. He has to listen to me in training every day and in every feedback I give to try and improve him”Mourinho

He eventually lost his place in the team to new boy Marcus Rashford.

The Mkhi Process..…

Mkhitaryan was one of those players who arrived United with a big reputation but had to adapt his game to suit what Jose demanded of him, he lost his place in the team after a poor showing in the Manchester derby, but is one that has return to become an important player for Mourinho. The secret was that he listened to the gaffer and improved his game.

“The Mkhitaryan process I was having almost every day. His agent was calling me saying, ‘Mkhitaryan with you will be a better player, keep going.”

“I knew Mkhitaryan is a top talent but I was not playing him. At this moment he even plays left-back when the team is winning and we need to defend and need more balance”— Mourinho

Is Tony Martial Back?

And it looks like Martial has learned his lessons and has emerged a better player from the struggles of last season. He has started the season on fire, even though from the bench, but his performances so far are an indication that the real Tony Martial is back. On his day, very few defenders can cope with him.

If Martial stays consistent and works hard at his game, It won’t be long before he returns to the starting 11 again.

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