Martial's safety in danger?

Right after Sheffield United defeated their namesake from Manchester, social media again became the turmoil of racial obscurity. Red Devils attacker Anthony Martial and his wife became targets of racial abuse.

Martial's wife, Melanie, subsequently took to Instagram to reveal that she had been subjected to further abuse which included death threats to both herself and her husband. Both were subjected to sickening abuse following the club's home defeat at the hands of Sheffield United last week so Anthony Martial had to ask Manchester United to help with security at his house. Sources have disclosed that the concerned and angered couple, who have a child, approached the club following the vile messages - United have declined to comment, but are understood to have been happy to assist.

Manchester United as an organization, stepped in to help executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward when flares were launched at his home last year and graffiti was scrawled on the walls. United beefed up security at Woodward's house and launched a review of safety measures there. They are expected to do likewise for Martial and his family. In a desperate few days, defender Axel Tuanzebe was also targeted following the defeat by the Blades and on Saturday night, following United's 0-0 draw at Arsenal, and insults toward Marcus Rashford followed.

'Humanity and social media at its worst' - is how the 23-year-old forward described the received messages.

It comes as Sportsmail reveals today that English football's leaders will challenge social media companies to improve their self-governance and protect players from the abuse. Greater Manchester Police also put out their own statement, saying they were aware of the 'deeply upsetting' and 'hateful' messages and would be 'investigating thoroughly'. United, who will cooperate fully with the police, have already condemned those involved and have called on social media platforms to create verifiable and identifiable accounts to ensure perpetrators can be held to account in an unregulated environment. Royal family i.e. Prince William has joined the call for action.

William, who is also the FA's president, said: 'Racist abuse — whether on the pitch, in the stands, or on social media — is despicable and it must stop now.'