‘When did Anthony Martial make his final Manchester United appearance’ is a pub quiz question just waiting to be written.
And we might already have the answer – 2 December 2021, result United 3 v Arsenal 2.
That’s the Frenchman’s last outing to date for the Red Devils and it appears he may never pull on the fabled jersey again.
According to Sky Sports, the 26-year-old has his sights set on Sevilla if United allow him to leave in the January transfer window.
The attacker is set for talks with Ralf Rangnick regarding his options beyond Old Trafford’s walls. Barcelona and Juventus are also said to be intrigued by Martial’s apparent desire to leave the north west, yet Sevilla is where he could expect to earn the greatest number of minutes.
If this is the end of the striker’s Premier League tenure, it only feels right to pick out his finest moments for Manchester United.
Debut delight
The world was a very different place when Martial made his United debut against Liverpool more than half a decade ago.
A media storm swirled around the Theatre of Dreams that day as the home crowd anticipated the arrival of Britain’s most expensive teenager.
On opening night, the £36 million (Guardian) arrival made sure the fans got their money’s worth.
With little more than an hour on the clock, the stadium burst into applause as Martial entered the fray.
United held a 2-0 lead, which was chopped in half by Christian Benteke six minutes from time.
Yet, 90 seconds later, the Stretford End erupted after their new signing slotted past Simon Mignolet to seal the points for Louis van Gaal’s side.
A star was seemingly born.
FA Cup celebrations
Later on in that same maiden campaign, Martial made the red half of the city explode into joy, but not at their own stadium.
Van Gaal led his men out under the Wembley arch in the FA Cup semi-final against Everton.
England’s national ground was packed to the rafters with flags of both colours. It was a grand scene that required a hero to match.
Marouane Fellaini started the drama by scoring in the first half, only for Chris Smalling to unwittingly level proceedings with an own goal.
Romelu Lukaku missed a penalty against his future employers. As the clock ticked down and the players grew weary, Martial discovered a sudden spark to finish the game off.
Deep into added time, Ander Herrera sent through his French compatriot, who calmly dispatched his effort to ensure United made the final for the first time since 2007.
Awesome in October
October 2018 was arguably Martial’s finest month for United. He scored four times in three Premier League games, including a brace at home to high-flying Chelsea.
Goals against Newcastle United and Everton insured the attacker won the club’s player of the month award.
His form continued into November, bagging another two away to Bournemouth and Manchester City.
19/20
Sometimes a season as a whole needs recognition rather than mere snippets.
Martial contributed 35 goals (23 goals, 12 assists) in 48 appearances in 2019/20 for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, easily his best return since that move from Monaco.
The hat-trick he bagged against Sheffield United was not only his first for the Red Devils but United’s first league treble in seven years.
He also converted twice past Chelsea and was the match-winner in one of the Manchester derbies.
Here’s to those Martial memories – even if he’s off to pastures new.
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