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Manchester United's Bold Move: Signing Anthony Martial and the Considerable Risks Involved

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Manchester United has made a significant move by signing 19-year-old Anthony Martial, Monaco's France Under-21 international, for an estimated fee between £36m and £50m. This move could be seen as a high-risk investment, considering Martial's age and lack of experience in the Premier League. However, United believes in his immense talent and potential, which has seen his value increase tenfold since his transfer to Monaco in 2013, from £3.7m to an estimated £36m-£50m.

Key Takeaways:

  • Manchester United has signed Anthony Martial, a 19-year-old France Under-21 international, for an estimated fee between £36m and £50m.
  • Martial's signing is a bold move, considering his age and lack of experience in the Premier League.
  • United believes in Martial's immense talent and potential, which has seen his value increase tenfold since his transfer to Monaco in 2013.
  • Martial's strengths include his movement, close control, and pace, as well as his elegant and composed finishing.
  • His weaknesses include his hold-up play and ability to play effectively with his back to goal in English football, which might be a challenge in the Premier League.
  • Martial's tendency to drift in and out of games against physically tight opposition is a concern for United, and he will need to adapt his style to the Premier League.
  • United believes that Martial's Champions League performances, particularly in the knockout stages, show that he is not easily fazed by pressure and has matured as a player.
  • The signing of Martial can be seen as an investment opportunity, with United expecting his performances to drive up his value significantly in the future.

Statistics:

  • Estimated transfer fee: £36m - £50m
  • Increase in Martial's value since his transfer to Monaco in 2013: 10fold
  • Number of Ligue 1 appearances Martial made before joining Monaco: 3
  • Number of goals Martial scored in Ligue 1 last season: 27
  • Age of Anthony Martial: 19

Sources:

  • [The Telegraph, Kris Boyd, 26 August 2015]
  • [ESPN, 27 August 2015]
  • [BBC Sport, 27 August 2015]

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