In July 2021, Martha Thomas made the move from West Ham to Manchester United, which left many fans feeling underwhelmed. The signing was not considered to be the world-class talent needed to assist the club in their pursuit of Champions League football. Unlike departing players Tobin Heath and Christen Press, Thomas didn’t quite meet the high expectations.
It was somewhat inevitable that Thomas would fail to impress at Manchester United. The Scotland forward had limited opportunities to flourish, only making 38 league appearances and scoring six goals in two seasons under Marc Skinner. Starting just nine games in her first season and once in her second season, she struggled to find consistency.
However, after joining Tottenham, Thomas has shown what can happen when a player is properly cultivated. Named October’s Women’s Super League player of the month, she’s managed to score six times in the club’s first four league games. She attributes her improved form to playing under someone who believes in her and in her preferred position. She expresses her hope to maintain her current level of performance.
Ultimately, Thomas’ success at Tottenham serves as an indictment of her handling at United. True, the best managers are those who ensure each squad member is valued and involved regardless of playing time. This emphasis on squad development also holds true in the English national team’s setup, where clarity and expectations play a critical role for all players.
As she left United, the club had just finished second in the league, securing Champions League football for the first time. While this may seem like a high point, Thomas had lost her passion for the game and was physically and mentally drained by her experiences there.
Thomas’s journey to the Women’s Super League was a nontraditional one, playing as far abroad as the United States before settling in England. Her recent performances for Tottenham show the qualities of a formidable player, highlighting the positive impact of providing trust and self-confidence to overlooked players.
In the upcoming games against strong opponents such as Manchester City and Arsenal, Thomas has the opportunity to prove her significance not only for Tottenham but also in the title race.
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