Manchester United fear Anthony Martial's split from partner Samantha Jacquelinet is the reason for his dramatic slump in form this season

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Manchester United are concerned Anthony Martial’s turbulent private life is to blame for his alarming dip in form this season.

Martial came off the bench to break the deadlock against Stoke City at Old Trafford on Sunday, scoring with a wonderful curling effort in a game United eventually drew 1-1.

But it was the Frenchman’s first goal in nine games as he struggles to rediscover the scintillating form he showed after joining United in a £58million deal from Monaco last year.

Anthony Martial split from his long-term partner Samantha Jacquelinet earlier this year

Martial and Jacquelinet parted ways following allegations he had been unfaithful

Manchester United fear Martial's relationship breakdown has had an impact on his displays

Martial started his United career with a bang after a shock £58m move from Monaco

However, Martial split from Samantha Jacquelinet, his partner of three years and mother of their baby daughter Peyton, earlier this year following allegations he had been unfaithful. They have since moved home to Paris, leaving Martial in Manchester.

The 20-year-old forward endured a poor Euro 2016 in his homeland, playing just 68 minutes in France’s run to the final against Portugal, and suffered another setback in the summer when he had to give up his prized No 9 jersey to new signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Martial started the first four games of the campaign for United but appeared to lack spark and confidence. He was dropped for the Manchester derby last month and has been in and out of the team since then.

Martial celebrates his goal against Stoke, the only one he's scored so far this season

After splitting from Martial, Jacquelinet has moved back to France with daughter Peyton

The couple were together for three years, but Martial is now alone in Manchester 

United are understood to feel Martial has been unsettled by the split and subsequent distractions in his private life.

While there is no question about the striker’s ability, the feeling is that he needs to re-focus to make the most of his potential.

After Martial scored against Stoke, manager Jose Mourinho said: ‘He needs that. It was an amazing goal and a very good initiative. From an individual point of view it was obviously good for him.’

Young French striker Martial currently has 18 goals in his 57 appearances for United

Martial endured a disappointing Euro 2016 but is now back on international duty with France

Martial is currently with France preparing for the national team’s World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Holland. He has 14 caps and United must pay Monaco £8.75m of the fee when he reaches 25.

The same figure will also be due when Martial scores a total of 25 goals in England. 

He currently has 18 in 57 United appearances.