So, having already looked at goalkeepers and midfielders (with defenders still to follow), we're analysing how Manchester United's forwards have fared through the first couple of months of the season. And don't worry, we won't keep you long: with Wayne Rooney having been converted from a bad striker to a worse midfielder, Louis van Gaal has only two de facto forwards in his entire squad (we're old school, and counting our wingers as midfielders). So, as short and sweet as it may be, let's push on:
Anthony Martial
The teenage Frenchman has been the undoubted revelation of the first few months of the season. His signing was largely considered to be an archetypal example of a deadline day panic buy. Indeed, maybe it was, but that hasn't stopped Martial immediately establishing himself as one of the club's best players and perhaps the most exciting attacking talent in the Premier League.
Despite his youth, he's evidently more than physically capable of doing the business in England; perhaps precisely because of said youth, his strength is matched by an icy composure and unerring confidence in front of goal. Providing he keeps his head screwed on (and there's no reason to think it's coming loose), he could be very, very good indeed.
James Wilson
Given that he's behind Rooney, Marouane Fellaini and possibly a few other players in the attacking pecking order, he should quite clearly have been sent out on loan. Let's hope he's allowed to leave for first team football in January, as warming the bench probably isn't doing much for his development.