Anthony Martial definitely looks happier at Manchester United, Mark Hughes has said.
Mark, however, revealed that he is yet to be convinced that the Frenchman is a natural No 9.
According to him, Martial has always had the potential to shine in a Manchester United shirt and he currently looks like he is taking on the responsibility he needs to achieve that.
He added that Martial might never be the out-and-out scorer who will net 20-30 goals a season but he can guarantee lots of goals for the team.
His words, “He’s always had that potential,”
“He’s a young guy trying to find his potential in a Manchester United shirt. I think he’s maybe looking to take on responsibility, and he needs to do that.
“His first two goals [against Sheffield United] were great finishes, striker’s finishes, which you always like to see from the guy playing down the middle.
“I think he is enjoying playing with the two guys either side of him – [Marcus] Rashford and [Mason] Greenwood – there is a lot of interchanging of positions, and that is the way he likes to play that role.
“He doesn’t like to be stuck in the middle of the park. At times, he looks like that movement to get involved doesn’t come naturally to him when he’s got his back to the goal, he’s happier when he links the play in a deeper position and then drives into the box and gets on the end of things.
“He looked like he was enjoying his game more than maybe he usually does – he gives this impression that it’s all a little bit too much like hard work for him, but he worked his socks off and got the reward with the goals.”
He is never going to be an out-and-out scorer who will score you 20-30 goals a season.
“I don’t think he’s scored anywhere near 20 goals in a Premier League season yet, but if he nails down that position in the middle rather than being put out onto the wing, then that will affect his ability to get on the end of things.
“If he says to himself ‘I’m going to be the main striker here, I’m going to be playing down the middle’, then I think he’ll get more goals.”
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate