Even though the new Premier League season is only a few weeks old, Manchester United is already displaying signs of disarray.

Nobody is sure if the Glazers will stay or go, and Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag are currently engaged in a social media verbal duel about Sancho’s position on the team.

That would be controversial even in the best of circumstances, much less just hours after suffering a crushing loss to Arsenal, one of your rivals.

Should a few crucial moments have gone their way, the atmosphere at Old Trafford may have been very different.

With two minutes remaining in normal time, Alejandro Garnacho made a dash towards the penalty area that could have won them the match. Yes, it appeared as though he had already sent the ball past Aaron Ramsdale.

United-Garnacho-Manchester
However, the dreaded VAR disqualified it for offside, and the Emirates watched the match end 3-1 in favour of the home team thanks to two late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus.

Many on the away side on Sunday, particularly Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans, who were essentially given the boot during their late cameos, might be held accountable. That being said, Anthony Martial ought to be questioned as well following yet another remorseful attack display.

For Manchester United, how many goals has Anthony Martial scored?

There were high expectations when the Frenchman joined the Premier League in 2015.

In fact, there was so much expectation for him that the agreement with Monaco regarding his transfer to United included a Ballon d’Or provision.

That is unlikely to be realised, though, much like his enormous potential.

Real Madrid’s record with Martial

Videos

Aims

10 Hag Erik

31

9.

ARLAF RANNK

1.

0%

Carrick, Michael

2.

0%

Wayan Mourinho

106–

27.

Gunnar Solskjaer, Ole

112

33.

Victor Louis Gaal

49.

17.

Numbers from Transfermarkt.

Despite being in his peak at 27 years old, Martial hasn’t shown that he will be a big success at the club. The fact that he was briefly loaned to Sevilla last year indicates how little people think of him.

Therefore, it didn’t look good from the start for the £250,000-per-week forward to play up top at the Emirates.

Anthony Martial, United Manchester
Sancho has every right to be upset by his present estrangement from the squad, as demonstrated by his actions. Indeed, it is rather damning if a player with just 11 goals in the previous two years can’t even earn a spot in the team.

How did Martial fare in the matchup with Arsenal?

The attacker’s debut looked incredibly energetic, which perfectly summed up his performance.

Suddenly introduced in the 67th minute at Martial’s expense, he provided Ten Hag’s team with a more effective focal point. He gave Gabriel a tougher time than the former Monaco player did in more than an hour as he hustled and bustled his way to be on the end of every ball.

The France international completed all 11 of his passes, but his mere 18 touches (one every six minutes) said it all.

That was less often than the combined passes made by both goalkeepers, Aaron Ramsdale (28), and Andre Onana (56).

Numbers from Martial’s match against Arsenal

18 contacts

11 successes

One shot

2/5 of the duels were won.

0 attempts at dribbling

Numbers from Sofascore.

Martial was undoubtedly a lone player, winning only two of his five duels and only managing one shot throughout the entire contest.

A player who had once shown so much potential was left battered and bruised by both Gabriel and William Saliba. It was an afternoon to forget.

He is accustomed to the Hojlund-like player that United has their sights set on, but it wouldn’t be shocking if the Norwegian quickly overtakes him in the standings.

Based on his Sunday cameo, in which he attempted to loop in behind and run the channels, Martial may find himself on the bench when the international break is over.

His impact in north London last weekend was amplified by none other than broadcaster Harry Symeou, who called him a “passenger” and criticised him for his “anonymity” on the MEN.

Martial had a lacklustre performance in a match that was a microcosm of his turbulent time playing football in England.

Had United had more center-forward options, his tenure under Ten Hag would have undoubtedly come to an end. Regardless, he is just no longer a dependable option for the Dutch boss.