Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has yet to step up to the plate since Marcus Rashford was sidelined with a back injury.
The Frenchman is playing in his preferred number nine role, but he has failed to hit his straps recently, with the Red Devils having fired blanks in their last three Premier League games.
Supporters on Twitter are frustrated by Martial’s inability to make an impact:
Awful, non-existent, not interested by the looks of it
— Jordan (@Jord_Ven) 2 February 2020
Doesn’t look bothered and looks like he’s missing Rashford.
— Jon (@Melbourne_Pom) 2 February 2020
Never a 9. He doesn't have the instinct to get in the box and anticipate. Best position is wide left.
— Angie (@mufc_ang7) 2 February 2020
His been very poor very poor
— Thunder_Ray.Nacxx (@Keitumpanza18) 2 February 2020
Non existent
— Mufc (@mufc_1878_1902) 2 February 2020
He's not a lone striker, perhaps a partner would bring the best out of him.
I'm being kind— chris chittock (@frankofarrell) 2 February 2020
Really really poor, like playing with 10 men
— Stewart (@samhain1) 2 February 2020
Invisible
— Denis Joyce (@DenisJoyce9) 2 February 2020
Overrated,has never fulfilled his potential and never will u can tell by his stance and way he stands around his attitude isn’t right for United!!not good enough for the shirt sorry imo!!
— Shane edwards (@ShaneShanejan16) 2 February 2020
Winger playing in wrong position.
— eddie white (@1957eddie) 2 February 2020
For some, Martial just isn’t a natural number nine, with many believing he is more suited to playing out wide. There is a case to be made for Mason Greenwood to be given a run-out through the middle due to his excellent form, with Martial moved out to a position on the left-wing. Of course, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could look to introduce new signing Odion Ighalo into the starting eleven instead.
Considering the lack of goals in Premier League fixtures, there wouldn’t be any harm in at least trying something different. United face Chelsea next up after the winter break, and it will be interesting to see what side Solskjaer picks for the crucial game.