Edinson Cavani hasn’t played a competitive game of football in seven months. But any plans of him being gradually bedded in must be laid to rest. Anthony Martial saw to that.
Under the cloud of the Uruguayan’s imminent arrival, the red mist descended and engulfed Manchester United‘s number nine, prompting his petulant reaction to Erik Lamela’s provocation on Sunday.
With his marching orders issued, Martial made his way to the dressing room, leaving an already sluggish United side to capitulate entirely against Tottenham, concede a further four goals and slump to an embarrassing 6-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
The sending off wasn’t indicative of a long-standing disciplinary issue with Martial. But it added weight to the notion that, for one reason or another, the Premier League giants cannot yet afford to rely entirely on the Frenchman. And his suspension means that Cavani must now suit up for upcoming domestic fixtures against Newcastle, Chelsea and Arsenal after the international break.
In fairness to Martial, he was explosive during the business end of last season. His style of play has seen him move between winger and centre forward throughout his career but at least Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pinned him down as an out-and-out striker and extracted some of his best performances.
Under the Norwegian’s guidance, he produced his finest season yet, scoring 23 times last term. His performances offered a glimpse into how good he can be when on song. But Martial has only ever offered glimpses and purple patches, no sustainable evidence to speak of.
When he’s good, he’s an absolute world-beater, slaloming past defenders, pulling off exquisite deft touches and unleashing sumptuous finishes. Yet, he continues to alternate between the sublime and the ordinary.
United need a proven scorer to depend on. Someone whose relentless pursuit of goals lends the rest of the team a sense of assurance. Someone who won’t shirk responsibility but willingly assume it.
For all his great qualities, undeniable talent and huge potential, Martial simply does not, as of now, fit the description. Cavani does.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star possesses the killer instinct and ruthlessness in front of goal to give United’s talented young attack the sharp edge it’s been lacking.
A striker of his pedigree even has the potential to paper over other cracks in the team.
The last time United won the title in the 2012/13 season, they were riddled with vulnerabilities, particularly in central midfield and defence. But the arrival of Robin van Persie and the glut of goals that followed compensated immensely.
Of course, Cavani has arrived under entirely different circumstances and can’t be expected to deliver similar returns. He’s had his troubles with injuries of late and will be rusty. Van Persie had just won the Golden Boot and went on to retain it.
The Dutchman also joined a team flush with leaders and one of football’s all-time great managers. Cavani must instantly become one of the few leaders under an unproven and under pressure manager.
Fortunately for United, tales of the Uruguay international do speak of a consummate professional and hard worker, traits that are reflected in his tireless displays on the pitch.
There’s no doubt that he could lead by example and show a young attacking contingent what it takes to be one of the best strikers in the world. He can demonstrate the behaviour, routines and attitude of a goal-scorer tasked with leading United’s front line.
It’s too early to write off Martial, especially after his exploits last season but allowing the seasoned Cavani to take the driver’s seat could be to his benefit. As long as he can stay fit, it will almost certainly be to United’s.
