Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher has been full of praise for Anthony Martial, claiming that the forward is ‘on the cusp of being elite’.
The Frenchman has enjoyed his best-ever goalscoring campaign for the Red Devils this season, registering twenty-one goals in forty-one appearances.
It’s not just his stats that have been catching the eye though, but instead, his all-round play. The 24-year-old has always been an exciting talent, causing havoc down the left channel through moments of magic. As opposed to effecting games through selective bursts though, he is now influencing United’s entire frontline, flourishing in his responsibilities as the number nine.
Fletcher has recognised such an improvement, claiming (via MUTV h/t Express): “There’s always been question marks about his work-rate and his desire, but he’s definitely putting that right and he’s been the most surprising player for me [since the restart].”
Against Southampton on Monday evening, the forward registered the most sprints on the field (18). Such a stat is a testament to his adaption this season, moulding himself into a proper team player. Adding such traits to his game can now see him be categorised as one of the best forwards in the division, with Fletcher also acknowledging this progression.
He went onto say: “I think he’s been fantastic. I think we’re seeing somebody on the cusp – if he keeps this going – of being a real elite number nine goalscorer.”
Such comments are certainly justified, and Martial’s development this season has been worthy of celebration. His goals and work rate have been influential to United’s recent run of form, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s faith in the forward, certainly paying off.
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