Anthony Martial's 2019-20 Season: A Deep Dive

Hey guys, let's talk about a season that was pretty darn important for a certain Manchester United forward: Anthony Martial during the 2019-2020 campaign. This was a year where Martial really stepped up and showed his class, especially after a bit of a mixed start to his United career. Many fans were wondering if he could consistently deliver, and this season, he certainly made a strong case. We're going to dive deep into his performances, key moments, and what made this particular year so significant for him and the club. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's break down Martial's 2019-20 season, shall we? It was a rollercoaster, for sure, but one filled with plenty of highlights and important lessons learned.

The Early Days and Building Momentum

When the 2019-20 season kicked off, Anthony Martial was already a few years into his Manchester United journey. He'd shown flashes of brilliance, no doubt about it, but consistency had been the big question mark hanging over him. The club had invested heavily in him, and fans were eager to see him become the talisman they believed he could be. The early part of the season wasn't exactly a goal-fest for Martial, but he was involved, often playing as the central striker under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. This was a crucial period for him to build rapport with his teammates, especially the newer attacking recruits. You could see him trying to find his rhythm, adapting to the tactical demands, and trying to assert his dominance in the final third. Martial's movement off the ball was often praised, but the end product needed to be sharper. He was often dropping deep to collect the ball, which is great for link-up play, but United needed him to be a constant threat in the box. The manager clearly had faith, often deploying him in that number 9 role, and it was about whether Martial could seize that opportunity with both hands. The pressure was on, not just from the fans, but from the competition within the squad and the overall expectation at a club like Manchester United. This season was shaping up to be a real test of his mettle, a chance to prove he could be the main man.

Key Performances and Turning Points

As the 2019-20 season progressed, there were several moments where Anthony Martial really started to shine, and these were the turning points that defined his campaign. One of the most memorable games, and a massive confidence booster for him, was the 2-0 victory against Manchester City at Old Trafford in March 2020. In that match, Martial scored the opening goal with a superb, composed finish after a brilliant through ball from Bruno Fernandes. This wasn't just any goal; it was a goal in the Manchester Derby, a game of huge significance, and it showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stages. He looked sharp, decisive, and clinical – exactly what United needed. This game, and his performance in it, really seemed to galvanize him. Prior to this, there were games where he might have disappeared, but here he was, the match-winner against your fiercest rivals. Another highlight was his hat-trick against Sheffield United in July 2020. This was a truly special achievement, demonstrating his predatory instincts and versatility. He scored a poacher's goal, a neat finish after a defensive error, and then a brilliant solo effort, weaving past defenders to slot home. The third goal was a testament to his pace and dribbling ability. This performance solidified his status as United's main goal threat and showed he could carry the team. These performances weren't isolated incidents; they were part of a growing trend of him becoming more influential and decisive. Martial's partnership with Bruno Fernandes, who arrived in January 2020, was also a significant factor. Fernandes' creativity and vision seemed to unlock something in Martial, providing him with more clear-cut chances. You could see the understanding developing between them, with Fernandes looking for Martial's runs and Martial making intelligent movements to create space for his new Portuguese teammate. This synergy was vital for United's attack in the latter half of the season, helping them secure a third-place finish in the Premier League.

Statistical Breakdown: Goals and Assists

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, guys, and look at the numbers for Anthony Martial during the 2019-20 season. Stats don't tell the whole story, but they give us a solid indication of his impact. In the Premier League, Martial netted 17 goals in 32 appearances. That's a pretty impressive haul, especially considering the inconsistency United had shown in previous seasons. This was his best goal-scoring return in a Premier League season up to that point, highlighting his growing importance to the team. Across all competitions, he managed 23 goals in 48 appearances. These goals were crucial, often coming at important moments in games, helping United secure vital points and progress in cup competitions. He also chipped in with 12 assists across all competitions. This shows he wasn't just a goal scorer but also a creator, linking up play and bringing others into the game. His assist tally, combined with his goals, paints a picture of a player who was actively involved in United's attacking output. The partnership with Bruno Fernandes, as mentioned earlier, was particularly fruitful. Fernandes' arrival seemed to inject a new level of creativity into the team, and Martial was often the beneficiary. Looking at his statistics, it's clear that the 2019-20 season was a career-best for Martial in terms of goalscoring at Manchester United. This demonstrated his progression and his ability to lead the line effectively. The numbers backed up the eye test; he was becoming a more clinical and consistent finisher, and his influence on the team's attacking play was undeniable.

Challenges and Criticisms Faced

Despite the improved statistics and standout performances, Anthony Martial wasn't immune to criticism during the 2019-20 season. One of the recurring themes was his perceived lack of physicality and intensity. While he possesses incredible skill and flair, there were times when he seemed to shy away from the more robust aspects of the game. Opponents would often try to physically intimidate him, and sometimes, it felt like he didn't impose himself enough. This led to frustrations from fans and pundits who wanted to see him fight for every ball and be a more dominant presence. Ole Gunnar Solskjær often spoke about Martial needing to be more aggressive and relentless in his pressing and hold-up play. Another area of concern for some was his injury record. While not as severe as some of his teammates, Martial did have spells out of action, which disrupted his rhythm and United's attacking flow. Maintaining fitness throughout a long season is crucial for any top striker, and this was an area where Martial could still improve. Furthermore, the pressure of being Manchester United's primary striker is immense. Every missed chance, every quiet game, is magnified. There were still games where Martial would disappear for large periods, leading to questions about his mentality and consistency under pressure. He wasn't always seen as the vocal leader that some fans craved in the attacking line. The arrival of Odion Ighalo on loan in January 2020 also added a different dynamic. While Ighalo provided a different skillset and importantly, goals, it also meant Martial wasn't the undisputed first-choice striker every single game, though he remained the preferred option for the bigger matches. These criticisms, while valid to some extent, should be viewed in the context of his overall improvement and the positive impact he did have on the team during this period. It's easy to pick apart a player's game, but Martial was undoubtedly taking significant strides forward.

Impact on Manchester United's Season

Now, let's talk about the real impact Anthony Martial had on Manchester United's 2019-20 season, guys. This wasn't just about his individual stats; it was about how he transformed the team's attacking threat. After the struggles of previous seasons, United were aiming to get back into the Champions League, and Martial was absolutely central to achieving that goal. His goals were often the difference between a win and a draw, or a draw and a loss. He provided a focal point for the attack that had been missing. With his pace, dribbling ability, and increasingly clinical finishing, he gave United a genuine threat that opponents had to respect. This wasn't just about scoring himself; his presence stretched defenses, creating space for wingers like Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, and for midfielders making runs into the box. Ole Gunnar Solskjær's tactical approach often revolved around quick transitions and exploiting space, and Martial's ability to run in behind or hold up the ball effectively was crucial to this strategy. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January 2020 was a massive boost, but it was Martial who often provided the finishing touch to Fernandes' creative passes. Their understanding was key to United's strong finish to the season, which saw them go on an incredible unbeaten run in the league. Without Martial firing on all cylinders, it's questionable whether United would have secured that third-place finish and qualified for the Champions League. He became the team's top scorer in the Premier League, which is a massive responsibility for any striker at a club of United's stature. His performances against rivals, like the goal against Manchester City, showed he could deliver when it mattered most. In essence, Martial provided the attacking spark and the clinical edge that United desperately needed to compete at the highest level again during this pivotal season.

The Role of Ole Gunnar Solskjær

It's impossible to discuss Anthony Martial's 2019-20 season without acknowledging the significant role Ole Gunnar Solskjær played. Ole, a former United striker himself, clearly had a vision for Martial and worked hard to bring out the best in him. From the outset, Solskjær showed immense faith in Martial, consistently selecting him as the central striker, even when performances were mixed. This consistent backing is crucial for any player, especially one who has faced doubts in the past. Ole often spoke about Martial's natural talent and potential, encouraging him to be more confident and assertive. He pushed Martial to embrace the responsibility of being the team's main goal threat. Solskjær's man-management style seemed to resonate with Martial. He created an environment where Martial felt supported, but also challenged to improve. We saw Ole working with Martial on his movement, his finishing, and his overall contribution to the team's attacking structure. The manager's belief in Martial's ability to lead the line was evident in his team selections and his public comments. He often defended Martial when the player faced criticism, emphasizing his importance to the team's overall play. The partnership between Solskjær and Martial wasn't just tactical; it was also about building confidence and belief. By giving Martial the central striker role and nurturing his talents, Solskjær was instrumental in unlocking the forward's best form. This season was arguably the first time Martial truly established himself as Ole's undisputed number 9, and that confidence and clear role were vital. Without Solskjær's patient and persistent approach, it's arguable that Martial wouldn't have had the breakout season he did, a season that proved he could be the main man for Manchester United.

The Influence of Bruno Fernandes

And then, BAM! Bruno Fernandes arrived in January 2020, and it was like a light switch flicked on for Anthony Martial and the entire Manchester United attack. Guys, the impact of this Portuguese magician was phenomenal. Fernandes brought a new level of creativity, urgency, and belief to the team, and Martial was often the primary beneficiary. Suddenly, Martial was getting more consistent, incisive passes, through balls that split defenses, and opportunities to run onto goal. The understanding between Fernandes and Martial developed rapidly. You could see it on the pitch: Fernandes scanning for Martial's runs, and Martial making those intelligent darts into the box, knowing the ball was likely to arrive. Fernandes' penalty-taking prowess also added goals, but it was his open-play creativity that truly elevated Martial. The goal against Manchester City where Fernandes picked out Martial's run was a perfect example of their burgeoning partnership. It wasn't just about assists; Fernandes' presence also drew attention from defenders, giving Martial more space to operate. He encouraged Martial to be more direct, to take risks, and to trust his instincts. Martial's goal tally and overall attacking output significantly increased after Fernandes' arrival. It's no coincidence that Martial enjoyed his most prolific Premier League season up to that point in 2019-20. Fernandes provided the consistent supply line and the creative spark that allowed Martial to showcase his full range of abilities. This partnership wasn't just a temporary fix; it laid the foundation for United's improved attacking performances in subsequent seasons and truly unlocked Martial's potential as a top-tier striker.

Looking Back and Forward

Reflecting on Anthony Martial's 2019-20 season, it's clear that this was a pivotal year for him and for Manchester United. He finally delivered on much of the promise he had shown, becoming the team's leading scorer and a key figure in their push for a Champions League spot. It was the season where he truly embraced the role of the main striker, demonstrating his ability to score consistently and perform under pressure, especially in big games. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes undoubtedly played a massive role, creating a dynamic attacking partnership that re-energized United's offense. While there were still areas for improvement, such as consistency in every single game and his physical robustness, this season marked a significant step forward. For the future, this season provided a benchmark for Martial. It showed what he was capable of when fully fit, confident, and well-supported by creative players. It set expectations high for the seasons that followed. While his United career had its ups and downs after 2019-20, this period remains a testament to his talent and his ability to deliver when the team needed him most. Martial's 2019-20 campaign was a resounding success, proving he could be a difference-maker for Manchester United and solidifying his place as a vital attacking option.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! Anthony Martial's 2019-20 season was, without a doubt, a defining chapter in his Manchester United career. He stepped up when the team needed him, delivering his best goal-scoring performance in the Premier League and proving he could lead the line. The combination of Ole Gunnar Solskjær's faith and the creative genius of Bruno Fernandes seemed to unlock a new level of consistency and ruthlessness in his game. While criticisms about his physicality and occasional inconsistency lingered, the sheer impact he had on United's push for a Champions League spot cannot be overstated. He provided the goals, the flair, and the crucial attacking threat that turned United into a formidable force in the latter half of the season. This season proved that when fit and firing, Anthony Martial is a top-class striker capable of winning games for Manchester United. It was a season of personal bests and team resurgence, and a true testament to his talent. For any United fan, the 2019-20 campaign is remembered fondly as the season Anthony Martial truly announced himself as a key player.