Ex-United star Anthony Martial under fire in Mexico, with easy misses, no goals, and bad body language

Former Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has not had the start he hoped for in Mexico.

Anthony Martial made one of the most surprising transfers of the summer when he quit AEK Athens in Greece to sign with Monterrey in Mexico.

It was an unlikely move for the 29-year-old, 10 years after his blockbuster transfer from Monaco to Manchester United.

Martial’s star has faded since his best ever season at United in 2019/20, to the point where he was released without a second thought in 2024.

He scored nine goals for AEK Athens last season – and one month into his spell in Mexico, he is still searching for his first for Monterrey.

Anthony Martial frustrating Monterrey fans

Anthony Martial has no goals in five appearances across 195 minutes of football so far for Monterrey.

And the problem for the Frenchman is that he arrives with a high, global reputation, which he is currently struggling to match.

He began by missing a chance to score a winner on his debut, losing possession instead of shooting, and his wait for a goal goes on a month later.

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The latest game saw Martial miss a late header from close range in Monterrey’s 2-2 draw with Tijuana, heading wide when it was easier to hit the target.

Marca Mexico report how frustrations with Martial are coming to the boil already, with the striker missing the 93rd minute chance that could have won the game 3-2.

“After this failure, Monterrey fans began to doubt Anthony Martial’s ability and commitment to the team since his arrival, leaving much to be desired given the expectations generated.

“Some fans have called for the Frenchman’s departure and have claimed that his signing was a scam.

“However, others still hold out hope that Anthony Martial will regain his form and contribute to the team.”

Record reported: “Martial’s mistake was so clear and so serious that the Frenchman himself seemed baffled.

“The Rayados number 9 squatted for several seconds after the shot, regained his posture, put his hands and shirt over his face in embarrassment, and had no choice but to thank and apologize to his teammates for the pass he couldn’t complete.”

AS Mexico note how the former United forward is now eight months without scoring a professional goal, and said of his performances so far, ‘Martial hasn’t stood out in any of them’.

Martial’s body language has been criticised

Even Anthony Martial’s body language has come under fire in Mexico already, something that caused irritation for Manchester United fans, and pundits.

After a match against Toluca, former Cruz Azul player and current Fox Sports commentator Christian “Chaco” Gimenez laid into the Monterrey striker.

Gimenez was quoted via Record: “Martial has been raising his arms to his teammates since he came on. We have to tell him that Mexican football isn’t doing him any favors.

“It really bothers me to talk about a player, but when they throw up their hands and send their teammates forward, it angers me.”

A few goals would change perceptions and attitudes towards Anthony Martial. But at the moment he is coming under pressure.

Monterrey’s draw at the weekend saw them slip from second to third in the table, when Martial’s header would have put them level on points with first place.

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