Anthony Martial: 2019-20 Season Stats & Analysis

What's up, football fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into the 2019-2020 season for none other than Manchester United's dynamic forward, Anthony Martial. This was a season where Martial really started to cement his place as a key player for the Red Devils, showcasing flashes of brilliance and becoming a more consistent threat up top. We'll be breaking down his stats, looking at his goals, assists, and overall impact on the team's performance during this crucial period. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's talk about Martial's journey through the 2019-20 campaign.

Martial's Goal-Scoring Prowess in 2019-20

When we talk about Anthony Martial's 2019-20 stats, his goal-scoring record is definitely one of the first things that catches the eye. This was arguably his most prolific season in terms of raw goal numbers for Manchester United up to that point. He bagged a total of 17 goals across all competitions. That's a serious tally for a player often deployed as a lone striker or on the left wing. Let's break it down a bit further, shall we? In the Premier League alone, he netted 11 goals. Now, 11 goals might not sound astronomical compared to some of the league's top hitmen, but for Martial, it represented a significant step up and showed his growing confidence and finishing ability. Remember, this was a United team that was still finding its feet under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and having a reliable goal-scorer like Martial was absolutely vital. He wasn't just scoring tap-ins either; he was pulling off some absolute stunners, showcasing his silky smooth dribbling and composure in front of goal. His ability to cut inside from the left and curl the ball into the far corner became a trademark. Beyond the Premier League, he also contributed 6 goals in cup competitions, including the FA Cup and the Europa League. These goals were often crucial in key moments, helping United progress in those tournaments. It's important to remember that Martial also faced competition and sometimes injury, so achieving this goal count despite those challenges speaks volumes about his dedication and talent. He was often the focal point of the attack, tasked with creating something out of nothing, and more often than not, he delivered. His off-the-ball movement also improved, creating space for the midfielders and wingers around him. This all contributed to him being a more complete attacking threat, not just a goal scorer.

Assists and Playmaking Contributions

But it's not just about the goals, guys! Anthony Martial's 2019-20 stats also highlight his contributions as a playmaker. While he's primarily known for his finishing, Martial also possesses the vision and skill to set up his teammates. In the 2019-20 season, he registered 5 assists in the Premier League. While this number might seem modest, it's important to consider the context. Martial often operated as the furthest player forward, meaning his primary job was to score. However, his dribbling ability and knack for drawing defenders towards him often opened up space for others. He had the intelligence to pick out passes when the opportunity arose, threading the ball through to midfielders making runs or wingers cutting inside. These assists might not always make the highlight reels, but they were crucial in unlocking stubborn defenses. Think about those moments where he'd slalom through a couple of defenders, drawing all the attention, and then laying off a perfectly weighted pass to a teammate in a better position. That’s the kind of intelligent playmaking that doesn't always get reflected in raw assist numbers but is incredibly valuable to a team's attacking structure. Furthermore, his involvement in the build-up play was significant. He’d often drop deep to collect the ball, link up play with the midfielders, and then surge forward. This versatility made him a nightmare for opposition defenders who had to track him all over the pitch. His link-up play with players like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes (who arrived in January 2020 and had an immediate impact) was particularly promising. They developed an understanding, and Martial's ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play was key to United's fluid attack. He wasn't just a passenger; he was an active participant in creating chances, even if he wasn't always the one getting the final assist. The total number of assists across all competitions for the 2019-20 season was 9. This shows that he was contributing not just in the league but also in cup runs, providing those crucial moments of creativity that could turn a game. It's easy to focus on the goals, but Martial's ability to create for others, even if it wasn't his primary role, made him an even more dangerous and complete attacker.

Overall Performance and Impact on Manchester United

So, what's the big picture when we look at Anthony Martial's 2019-20 stats? This was a season where he truly blossomed into a leader for Manchester United's attack. His 23 goals and 9 assists across all competitions (totaling 32 direct goal involvements) made him the club's top scorer and a pivotal figure in their charge towards a third-place finish in the Premier League and a deep run in the Europa League. This was a significant turnaround from previous seasons, and it showed his maturity and growing influence on the team. He became Ole Gunnar Solskjær's go-to man, the striker he could rely on to produce moments of magic. His performances weren't just about the numbers; it was about his presence on the pitch. He brought a calmness and composure to the forward line that was often missing. His dribbling skills remained as mesmerizing as ever, capable of leaving defenders in his wake. Crucially, his finishing seemed to have improved, with a greater sense of ruthlessness in front of goal. He looked more decisive and confident, especially in one-on-one situations with goalkeepers. This season also saw him play more consistently through the middle, which seemed to suit his game perfectly. When deployed as a central striker, he had more direct influence on the game, receiving the ball in dangerous areas and having the opportunity to test the opposition's defense constantly. His link-up play, as mentioned earlier, was also a huge asset. He was able to hold the ball up, bring midfielders into the game, and create space for runners. This made United's attack much more unpredictable and dynamic. The arrival of Bruno Fernandes in January 2020 undoubtedly helped, as the Portuguese midfielder provided a creative spark and a constant supply of chances, but Martial was the one often on the receiving end, converting those opportunities into goals. His aerial ability, while not his strongest suit, also improved, making him a more versatile threat. He was a constant menace, and opposition teams had to devise specific game plans to try and contain him. This season was a testament to his hard work and dedication, proving that he could be the main man for a club like Manchester United. The impact of his goals and performances cannot be overstated; they were instrumental in securing Champions League football for the following season, a massive achievement for the club at that time. It set a new benchmark for his own performance and gave fans a lot of hope for the future.

Key Statistics Breakdown

Let's get granular, shall we? Here's a more detailed look at Anthony Martial's 2019-20 stats, broken down by competition. This will give you a clearer picture of his contributions throughout the campaign.

Premier League

• Appearances: 32
• Goals: 11
• Assists: 5
• Minutes Per Goal: Approximately 236 minutes

In the Premier League, Martial was a consistent starter when fit, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net regularly. His 11 goals were crucial in many of United's wins and draws, providing the attacking impetus needed to compete at the top level. The number of minutes per goal suggests that while he wasn't scoring in every single game, he was finding the net at a decent rate when given the opportunity.

UEFA Europa League

• Appearances: 5 (including qualifiers)
• Goals: 3
• Assists: 2

Martial was a key player in United's Europa League campaign, which saw them reach the semi-finals. His goals and assists in this competition demonstrated his ability to perform on a bigger European stage. These were often vital goals that helped United navigate tough ties.

FA Cup

• Appearances: 4
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 1

He contributed with important goals in the FA Cup, showing his versatility and willingness to step up in knockout competitions. These goals helped United make a strong run in the cup.

League Cup (Carabao Cup)

• Appearances: 1
• Goals: 1
• Assists: 1

Even with limited appearances in the League Cup, Martial made an impact, scoring and assisting in his sole outing. This just goes to show his consistent threat whenever he's on the pitch.

Overall Totals (All Competitions)

• Total Appearances: 42
• Total Goals: 17
• Total Assists: 9
• Total Goal Involvements: 26

Looking at the overall numbers, Anthony Martial's 2019-20 season was undoubtedly his most productive in terms of consistent goal contributions for Manchester United. He was a mainstay in the attack, featuring in 42 games and directly contributing to 26 goals. This level of output was exactly what the team needed, and it solidified his position as the club's premier attacking threat.

Conclusion: A Season of Growth and Importance

In conclusion, the 2019-20 season was a watershed moment for Anthony Martial. His stats clearly indicate a player who had stepped up significantly. With 17 goals and 9 assists across all competitions, he wasn't just a flashy winger anymore; he was a bona fide goal-scorer and a vital creative outlet for Manchester United. He proved his doubters wrong and showed that he could carry the attacking burden for a club of United's stature. This season laid the foundation for his continued importance in the years to come, and it's a campaign that fans will remember fondly for his dazzling displays and crucial contributions. It was a season where he truly showed his potential and delivered on it, making him an indispensable part of Ole Gunnar Solskjær's plans. The numbers speak for themselves, but the eye test confirmed it – Martial was back, and he was better than ever.