3 things we learned from Manchester United’s 2-1 loss vs Sheffield United

Harry Maguire, Manchester United. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
Harry Maguire, Manchester United. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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Anthony Martial continues to struggle

Manchester United
Anthony Martial, Manchester United. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Last season, along with Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, Martial formed a solid goal-scoring trio. One that many believed would be the main reason for them to challenge for the title. This season, however, the Frenchman has struggled to put in consistent performances and yesterday was another example of him failing to grasp another opportunity.

The Red Devils are missing a dynamic centre-forward at the moment, someone who is the focal point of the attack. In 17 Premier League appearances this season, Martial has scored just twice, which is just not good enough for a Manchester United starter.

United thought the arrival of Edinson Cavani would provide a bonus to an already potent attack, but it seems the opposite is happening and Martial is feeling the pressure of the Uruguayan coming off the bench.

The Frenchman will have to turn it around soon if he wants to hold onto his place in the starting XI for the foreseeable future, because as it stands, Solskjaer could be tempted to go for Cavani in place of the misfiring striker.