On 12 September 2015, a young Anthony Martial marked his Manchester United debut with a mazy run and finish to seal victory against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. Debuts don't get much better than that – and United fans quickly took the Frenchman to their hearts as he was often the sole spark of excitement in a dull possession-based Louis van Gaal team.
Five months later, in the build-up to the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 return leg tie against FC Midtjylland at Old Trafford, Martial damaged his hamstring in the warm up. Subsequently, an 18-year-old academy forward was elevated to the starting lineup from the substitutes bench. A brace for the evening and another against Arsenal three days later, made Marcus Rashford a household name among the United fans.
Rashford and Martial are genuinely exciting talents on Manchester United's roster. Martial won the Golden Boy award in 2015, while Rashford is among the leading candidates for the prize in 2017. To give you an idea, previous winners of the award include Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Sergio Aguero). Sky is the limit for the young duo – not just as a distant future prospect, but as a very real threat for Premier League defences, week in week out.
Here are five reasons why the Martial-Rashford combination will be United's strikeforce now and in the future:
#5 Ibrahimovic and Rooney will leave soon
After 13 years, Wayne Rooney is on the cusp of leaving Old Trafford. He hasn't received the respect he deserves as Manchester United's all-time top goalscorer; perhaps there would have been more of an outcry if he had left five years ago. But make no mistake – there would be a huge set of boots to fill in after Rooney's departure.
Also read: An Open Letter to Wayne Rooney: What next, Wazza?
Ibrahimovic, meanwhile, has established himself as a firm fan favourite after just one season. He has dragged the club almost single-handedly this season, most memorably with the winner in the League Cup final. His departure, whether it is going to be in two months or a year, would again raise a bunch of questions to answer.
It is, therefore, absolutely imperative that United hold on to Rashford and Martial. The duo has had priceless experience sharing the dressing room and the pitch with Ibrahimovic and Rooney. Their ruthless winner's streak is sure to have rubbed off on the young duo as well – and over the next few years, they need to utilise these experiences to push on their development.
#4 The Manchester United way
United may sign Antoine Griezmann and he might turn out to be an instant success. He could even go on to write his name in their history books. But no goal of his would feel as special as the sight of Rashford sliding towards Sir Alex Ferguson stand to celebrate an injury time winner. He is one of their own; having been at the club for longer a duration than Griezmann has been at his last two clubs put together.
Martial won the Premier League player of the month award in his debut month (September 2015). He was the third youngest player ever to receive the award after Micah Richards and Michael Owen.
He has had his struggles since Mourinho took over, but at 21, Martial looks poised to join the elite list of United's illustrious forwards. Signed at the age of 19, the Frenchman fits in with United's youth-oriented policy as well – although at a somewhat higher price.
#3 Their quality
With young players who produce performances that defy their age, it is often necessary to remind oneself not to judge them on a level footing with senior accomplished players. Raheem Sterling, Dele Alli, Martial, Rashford et al produce such quality on display almost on a weekly basis that it can be easy to take them for granted.
Young players are often prone to fizzling out after a breakthrough season – but Martial and Rashford have proven themselves beyond doubt with their ability to make it out of a bad patch.
Make no mistake, Rashford and Martial represent United's future not just because of their age and sentimental value. Their quality is right up there with the very best the league has to offer.
Ibrahimovic may have featured more often and taken all the plaudits, but that should take nothing away from these youngsters, whose contribution has been absolutely vital to United' season and will continue to be for several years to come.
#2 Style of Play
Ever since the inception of football, agile, skilled players have never been out of demand. Tactical innovations may have come and gone, football may have undulated its focus back and forth from offence to defence. But be it in a possession based system or a counter-attacking system, be it in a heavy pressing system, a fleet-footed, skilful player to unlock a defence is equally vital everywhere.
As it goes, therefore, they fit in naturally with the United style of play – exciting, fast flowing and attacking football. But perhaps more pertinently, they fit in with Mourinho's style of play as well.
As with Eden Hazard and Cristiano Ronaldo, Mourinho has demonstrated his shrewd ability to turn such players into devastating counter-attack machines. Martial may have a bit more work to do on the defensive side, but once that is ironed out, Mourinho will be to call upon yet another player tailor-made for his disciplined counter-attacking football.
#1 Versatility
As polished as they are, as much quality as they offer, it is hard to imagine United restraining themselves in the transfer market on account of Rashford and Martial. Players will inevitably be signed; presumably, ones that can come in and fire right away. It is not easy for young players in such situations, to accept bench duty while knowing that they can play every week elsewhere.
That is where the duo’s versatility could be a real blessing. Both Martial and Rashford can operate across the front line, meaning any one signing is unlikely to resign them to bench duties. Moreover, they can provide cover for all the forward positions, meaning the club would loath to lose them irrespective of incomings.
If they bide their time in this manner for a couple of years, they would by then have been ready to stake an uncompromisable claim in the first XI. Boy oh boy, that would make a fearsome sight for Premier League defences.
