Martial out to cast doubts in defenders

In-form Manchester United star Anthony Martial has explained how he aims to gain the upper hand over his markers by planting seeds of doubt in their minds.

When operating on the left flank, the Frenchman is usually charged with the responsibility of beating his opponent in order to open defences up and this is something he has done to great effect in recent weeks, perhaps most impressively during the dramatic New Year's Eve victory over Middlesbrough.

Martial sped past Calum Chambers early in that Premier League outing and played a key role in the 2-1 win, hitting the woodwork, setting up Zlatan Ibrahimovic's disallowed goal and scoring the equaliser. 

In an exclusive interview with tonight's United Review, Martial reveals his psychological approach. "I do try to create doubts for my opponents and take away their confidence," he explains. "I try to cause problems by taking the player on and making him feel uneasy and unsure of what he should do next. 

"In that particular game, things went pretty well. I knew that it wasn’t his preferred position, as he usually is a central defender, so I tried my best to make life difficult for him, and I thought it went quite well."

Martial has a splendid record in domestic cup competitions at United. His goal in the weekend win over Reading took his tally to six in 11 FA Cup and League Cup outings, with a further five assists to his name.

"I wasn’t really too aware of those stats," the 21-year-old says. "But you know I approach and play every match in the same way, whether it’s a cup or a Premier League game. For me, they are one and the same thing. I try to give 100 per cent, and be in the best form I possibly can.

"I’m still very young and I’ve still got lots to achieve in my career. What I would like to be able to do is win lots of silverware. It’s all about me working hard and doing everything I can to attain my objectives."

Read the full interview with Anthony Martial in the official matchday programme for the EFL Cup semi-final tie against Hull City, available to buy at Old Trafford and online.