After the win against Real Madrid, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho praised Martial for his performance but demanded more of the same from him in future games.
The pacy Frenchman assisted Jesse Lingard for Manchester United’s only goal of the game as Mourinho’s men defeated Real Madrid on penalties for their 4th consecutive pre-season win. Anthony Martial embarked on a trademark dazzling run before having the intelligence to play it across the 6 yard box for an easy tap in for his English teammate.
“Obviously we want more consistency in his talent, I think today was a positive for him, that’s why I left him for 90 minutes on the pitch, he was enjoying and trying things. It’s important to try things in these friendly matches so it’s good for Anthony and his confidence.” said Mourinho.
“He is a young player, still time to learn, still time to improve, still time to develop, and it’s also his personality. I can say he is training better than before, he’s working harder than before, it’s a question to bring his talent more in a consistent way.” he continued.
While praise for the talented youngster is a welcomed sight, many Manchester United fans will be happy to also hear their manager demand for more. The upcoming season is make or break for Anthony Martial who seemed to stagnate last year as he adapted to a new manager, dealt with personal problems and suffered from ‘second-season syndrome’.
It’s clear for all what the former Monaco man is capable off but quite often his highs are soon followed by some disappointing lows. Although Anthony is still young, he faces what a former Manchester United winger previously faced at Old Trafford. Portuguese international Luis Nani suffered the same inconsistencies and Mourinho will be praying the same doesn’t happen to his current wide-man.
Of course Martial is a far cry from Nani but the warning signs are there and unless inconsistencies are dealt with now, it may haunt him forever as it currently does with the former Premier League winner. Time is on his side however and, at least from the outside, he appears to have his manager’s backing in a position that seems to be a little light this season.
Next: Pre-Season Recap: Manchester United 1-1 (2-1 PK) Real Madrid
Mkhitaryan, Lingard and Young are possibly the club’s only wingers and Ashley is not only a senior player but currently out for the beginning of the season. The quick-footed winger will be hoping the Perisic rumours remain just that, rumours, as he aims to prove himself to Mourinho and Manchester United fans who so desperately want to see him return to his first season form.