Anthony Martial has earned himself another opportunity at Man United.
With a new manager comes a fresh slate. Underperforming players from last term get another chance to prove their worth.
Donny van de Beek was immediately earmarked as the man who’d make the most of this second lease of life. However, it’s Anthony Martial proving to be the real surprise.
I’ll be brutally honest. I genuinely thought there was no way back for Martial at Old Trafford. He just didn’t look interested in wearing that badge with pride last season, then a disappointing loan move to Sevilla only enhanced that belief.
Well, the latest claim in The Athletic is good news for Martial fans. Before pre-season tour, Martial was viewed as one of the players made available for transfer.
However, it hasn’t taken Ten Hag long to have a change of heart. Ten Hag has now been ‘convinced’ that the 26-year-old ‘must stay’ at the club after impressing in both training and the three friendly matches the Reds have played so far.
It’s also worth pointing out the uncertainty around Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is another contributing factor, with the Frenchman the only recognised striker aside from the Portuguese superstar.
More importantly, Martial has been ‘invigorated’ by the change of leadership, which has been evident in the three games played so far. The AS Monaco youngster looks super hungry to impress, while leading the line superbly.
The Athletic claim that Ten Hag is most impressed with what’s happening out on the training field, with Martial putting in yet another ‘session of high standard’ when the club arrived in Perth a couple of days ago.
Obviously, to win back the full trust of United fans, Martial has to keep up this high standard of work for a prolonged period – and also carry it into the Premier League season as friendly performances alone just won’t cut it.
Fingers crossed the attacker can do exactly that. We’ve certainly been given reason to feel encouraged over the last week or so.
Do you think Anthony Martial will have a good season under Erik ten Hag? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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