Anthony Martial, as a False 9 — Analysis.

Thread.

Martial is United’s #9 for the foreseeable future & justifiably so. He has the qualities required, and frankly— needed for utd’s chance creation in the final 3rd.

- Gifted Technically,
- Strong Physique & Framework,
- High IQ passing & interplay,
- Clinical 1v1,

to name a few.

For conciseness, just 4 match situations have been highlighted. He aids the progress of play by dropping into a deeper position, creating space for others (specially his wingers) to exploit and/or drawing the opp. out of position.

Without a prominent #10, Martial is key

Codes:

Green Arrow - actual ball progression.
White Dotted Arrow - path of (optional) pass/run.
Shaded Area - exploitable space.
Grey Arrow - eventual ball/run progression.

Here vs Brighton, the attacking play kicks off with Fred playing a direct, line breaking pass into the feet of a dropping Martial.

- He plays a layoff touch to the #10, Pereira, to carry the ball up.
- Martial, James, Pereira form a 3v3 vs BHA’s holding 3, with much space.
- .

VS Norwich, Anthony constantly causes the back line problems with his high mobility. In this instance:

- Maguire breaks 2 lines of defence this time, ball into Martial as he checks in. Key here is Martial bringing the CB, Godfrey along with him.

- Another quick layoff touch.

- Brighton are shifted into a panic & by these times, Rashford is attacking the space left behind. Credit to Martial.

- Daniel James plays an exquisite ball into the space.

- Brighton’s CB’s do not have the recovery pace to stop United in such moments.

- .

United had an xG of 2.93 and scored (3) vs Partizan, an impressive attacking display.
Sequence:

- Note Martial starts deeper than Mata.
- Mata & Martial play a 1-2 each, with Fred acting as pivot during the positional rotation.
- 2nd Phase, the ball is progressed to the flanks.

We see something largely missing in a lot of United’s buildup this season, specifically against deep blocks; Triangles/Rondos.

It forms numerical superiorities during phases like this on the flanks & help evade the press.

- Mata Young Rashford Martial Rashford Martial .

- Final phase, Martial drives into the space and has an attempt on goal. Bright passage of play.

This final instance epitomizes Martial’s role of a False 9. His intelligence, love of space and interplay essentially make him the hot spot here.

- Bournemouth show discipline in their shape. Note the positions of the front 3. Martial waits for the ball, to create.

- Triangles.

- Martial plays initial 1-2 with Rashford.

- Turns & shrugs off King who presses him from behind.

- Plays it back to Fred & hangs around. He knows he’ll get the ball back.

- Fred McTominay Martial. Triangles.

- High gear attack, MR10 drops & a pocket of space is found.

- Neat spin on Bournemouth’s #29 and receives the pass back from Rashford. He progresses it to James.

- Ideally, in a side more rehearsed in positional play / JDP, or really with a more tenacious FB— Rashford or Young would be in position for James to play a through ball.

When central zones are overloaded, the ball should be switched to the space on the wings & vice versa. A basic concept. Critique of the coaching at United is a topic for another day.

Anyway, Martial is a catalyst for United with & without PP. World Class talent.

& for clarity:

In conclusion, what a player & asset Anthony Martial is.

Getting his Kit # back is underplayed by most. It has/will have a psychological effect on him & continue translating into his performances.

The FC eats good this season

Side: As a general response, a 433 shape that supports Martial dropping deep.