Ian Wright has previously spoken about Anthony Martial’s lack of credentials on paper but now it appears he’s made a bit of a U-turn in his opinion of the Manchester United forward.
Although the Arsenal legend still maintains that the 19-year-old doesn’t appear that experienced, he reckons that United will be able to sell him on for double the money they paid for him in two years time.
“Martial’s goals record in France was hardly special with 8 in 31 games,” said Wright. “But United are having the last laugh with a piece of business so shrewd that I believe Martial’s value will double in the next two years.”
The claim in itself is bizarre, not least because Martial cost the Red Devils £36m and although he’s set an impressive record so far, scoring four goals in as many appearances, to assume that he’ll be worth double his initial price in only a matter of two years is a huge reach.
Martial is still young and developing. Of course, it’s fantastic for United that he’s hit the ground running in a new league (blah blah blah), but the real test comes after a season, when he’s had no winter break – something many players struggle with when moving to the Premier League.
It’ll also come if and when he picks up an injury and has to fight for a place back in the starting 11 upon his recovery.
All these factors can affect how he plays from here.