Anthony Martial was left out of Manchester United’s 18-man team that defeated Feyenoord 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday. Jose Mourinho could have featured him but for his current form which is in decline and the Portuguese seems to be running out of patience with him.
The Frenchman who was signed by former coach Lois Van Gaal from Monaco in August 2015 had an impressive first season in England, scoring 17 goals which saw top United’s scoring charts. He was a regular under Van Gaal, starting 45 of 53 games last season.
But the £36 million signing has struggled to replicate the form this season, he has fallen short of his last season standard and after enjoying a lengthy support from Mourinho the boss seems to have lost his patience with his form which doesn’t seem to be improving. He has managed just two goals this season and there is no guarantee he will feature against West Ham in the Premier League this weekend.
The 20-year-old rarely poses any threat when on the ball this season despite his talent and composure. There have been suggestions that problems off the pitch could have contributed to his dip in form or the infamous second season syndrome. Or he is finding it difficult to adapt with the new coaching system? Under Van Gaal, he played either up front or on the left wing.
Martial needs to come to terms with the fact that coaches will come and leave and he has to be always ready to conform to any new system introduced to the team. No two coaches will have the system. Mourinho has issued him warning that he has to improve his game if he is find his way back to the team.
With his replacement, Henrikh Mkhitaryan putting up an impressive display in the Feyenoord match, Martial could be set for more time on the bench.