Did Michael Carrick Predict a Ballon d'Or Win for the Man Utd Star?

Michael Carrick's early belief in Anthony Martial's potential to win the Ballon d’Or set high expectations when the French forward joined Manchester United in 2015. Despite some brilliant displays, Martial ultimately struggled with injuries and inconsistency, scoring 90 goals in 317 appearances before leaving in the summer of 2024. Now playing for Monterrey in Mexico, his talent is still recognised by former teammates, with Diogo Dalot recently reflecting on Martial's capabilities during a conversation with Rio Ferdinand.

Last updated: 04 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Anthony Martial's career trajectory continues to be a topic of conversation among former Manchester United players. Following his departure from the club in 2024, he has joined Mexican side Monterrey, where he is expected to bring his flair and skill to a new league. Discussions around his potential have resurfaced, particularly through the insights of his former teammates like Diogo Dalot, highlighting the belief that he could have achieved even more during his time at United.

Key takeaways

Michael Carrick believed Anthony Martial had the potential to win the Ballon d’Or upon his arrival at Manchester United.
Martial's career at United was marked by impressive performances but hampered by injuries and inconsistency.
Diogo Dalot recently included Martial in his all-time five-a-side team, citing his training prowess.

Timeline: how we got here

Since joining Manchester United from AS Monaco in September 2015, Anthony Martial's journey has been filled with highs and lows:

September 2015: Martial signs for Manchester United for an initial £36 million, a record fee for a teenager.
September 2015: Scores a sensational debut goal against Liverpool, immediately capturing attention.
2020-2021: Experiences a resurgence in form, finishing as United's top scorer.
2024: Leaves Manchester United after a total of 317 appearances and 90 goals.
2024: Joins Mexican club Monterrey, seeking a fresh start.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions surrounding Martial's potential have gained traction, particularly with Diogo Dalot’s comments during an interview with Rio Ferdinand. Dalot reminisced about the incredible talent Martial displayed in training, reinforcing the view that he could have been among the world's elite players.

What was already established

Martial's time at Manchester United has been marked by flashes of brilliance, especially evident during his debut season. However, ongoing injuries and fluctuations in form prevented him from consistently delivering at the highest level. The belief that he could win the Ballon d’Or, as stated by Carrick, has lingered in discussions about his capabilities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While Martial's move to Monterrey may not directly impact UK consumers, his departure signifies a broader trend of talent mobility in football, with players seeking opportunities in less traditional leagues. This trend can influence fan engagement and merchandise sales as players attract attention in new markets.

Businesses and jobs

The movement of players like Martial can also affect UK clubs' hiring strategies as they assess international talent. Clubs may look to adapt their scouting processes to uncover players who can thrive in different leagues, potentially influencing the job market within the football industry.

Policy and regulation

The movement of players across borders highlights the importance of football regulations regarding player transfers and contracts. Understanding these policies can be crucial for clubs as they navigate the complexities of signing players from abroad.

Numbers that matter

90: Goals scored by Anthony Martial in 317 appearances for Manchester United.
£36 million: Initial transfer fee paid to AS Monaco for Martial in 2015, a record for a teenager at the time.
9: Years spent at Manchester United before his departure in 2024.

Definitions and jargon buster

Ballon d’Or: An annual football award presented by France Football, recognising the best male football player in the world.
Transfer fee: The amount of money paid by one club to another for the rights to a player.
Five-a-side team: A small-sided football game, typically played with five players on each team, often used to showcase skill in a condensed format.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Martial's performances at Monterrey will be closely monitored as he adjusts to a new environment. Early matches will reveal whether he can regain form and consistency.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Martial settles into his new club, fans and analysts will evaluate his impact on Monterrey's performance and whether he can rekindle his once-promising career.

Signals to watch

Martial's goal tally and assist numbers during the opening months of the season.
Feedback from coaches and teammates regarding his training and match readiness.
Injury reports that may affect his availability and performance.

Practical guidance

Do

Monitor Martial's progress at Monterrey to understand his potential resurgence.
Engage with analysis from sports pundits on his performances.
Follow updates on his training and match readiness to gauge his development.

Don’t

Overlook the impact of injuries on his performance; they have been a recurring issue.
Assume his success in Mexico will translate directly back to a premier league context.
Neglect to consider the different playing styles in various leagues, which can affect player performance.

Checklist

Check statistics from Martial's games in Monterrey.
Stay updated on transfer news involving other ex-Manchester United players.
Follow Monterrey's league standings and performance trends.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Martial's journey is filled with uncertainty, particularly regarding his ability to maintain fitness and form in a new league. Injuries have plagued his career, and there is a risk that he may not replicate his past success. Additionally, the competitive nature of the Mexican league poses its own challenges, and how he adjusts will be critical in determining his future.

Bottom line

Anthony Martial's career is a complex tapestry of potential and unfulfilled promise. While his time at Manchester United showcased flashes of brilliance, ongoing challenges with consistency and injuries have led to his departure for a new chapter in Mexico. Observing his journey will be fascinating, as it offers insights into how talent can evolve and adapt in different environments.

FAQs

What is the Ballon d’Or?

The Ballon d’Or is an annual award recognising the best male football player in the world, presented by France Football.

Why did Anthony Martial leave Manchester United?

Martial left Manchester United after struggling with injuries and inconsistent form, ultimately seeking a fresh start at Monterrey in Mexico.

What is Diogo Dalot's view on Anthony Martial's talent?

Dalot believes Martial had the potential to be "the best player in the world" based on his training performances and talent.