Martial Fuels United Title Hopes

Jamie Redknapp previews the Manchester derby and says United forward Anthony Martial is the key figure for the hosts at Old Trafford...

The addition and impact of Anthony Martial has transformed Manchester United's situation this season.

Before he came to the club, I didn't put them anywhere near mounting a title challenge. Nowhere near. Now, if they beat Manchester City, they will believe they can do it.

There's no excuse now. Louis van Gaal has had a good amount of time to look at their situation, they've spent a lot of money and the start they've made, although it hasn't been spectacular, suggests there is enough there to have a real go at it.

But, make no mistake, Martial's introduction has been key. The pace, athleticism and skill he possesses, along with the goals he's scored, is incredible. He's been the catalyst behind United doing well, more than anything else.

Because he's so young, whether he can do it over a sustained period, we'll see. But he'll be a key factor this weekend.

Against Everton, Van Gaal used him on the left wing, partly to contain Seamus Coleman. On Sunday, Martial will come up against Pablo Zabaleta, who, like Coleman, plays so high up the pitch.

I was happy to see Martial used in that way against Everton, but at home to City, Van Gaal needs to think how he can use the Frenchman to cause their visitors problems, rather than how he can contain their attacking threats. If he plays wide, that will be a key battle in the game.

Of course, there has been talk about Martial being restored to a centre-forward position. But he's not a player you want to pigeonhole. He can play left, right, No 10, up front - he's got so much ability and he also seems a really bright player. Every move he makes has a reason behind it. He's the one.

When you add Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera to that mix, and look at how well the latter two in particular link up together, United have some really exciting attacking options.

However, even without Sergio Aguero and potentially David Silva, Man City have some top forwards, too. Like Martial, Kevin de Bruyne is such a good footballer to watch.

At 24 he's so calm on the ball and so calm in front of goal. He hits the ball so well off either foot and he's shown City fans what a good player he's going to be.

He can play in a variety of positions, too - as he showed when he went up front in the Champions League this week.

Sterling will also be a danger for United, although he still has quite a way to go to be the finished article. But, after scoring three against Bournemouth, can he be a hero and score against United?

With so much attacking talent on the pitch, the way the defences of United and City cope will be key to the outcome.

You'd think that if he is fit, Vincent Kompany has to play for City, but I can't figure out what's going on there, whether Manuel Pellegrini is resting him or upset because he played for Belgium. Either way, this is the sort of game where City need their captain and best defender.

Nicolas Otamendi hasn't looked that sure at the moment, but both defences have their problems. That's why I think there will be goals in this game.

I think United will just edge it. The combination of Martial, Rooney, Mata and Herrera, along with their home advantage and the absence of Aguero for City just tips the game in their favour, for me.

But the Manchester derby has been hard to predict in recent years - we've seen some crazy results. Hopefully it will be another thriller on Super Sunday.

With Martial on the pitch, there's sure to be plenty of excitement.

Credit: Skysports.com