Former Manchester United full-back Ashley Young has urged Anthony Martial to make the No.9 shirt his own after the pair came up against each other in pre-season.
For the first time in a pre-season game this summer, the Frenchman failed to find the back of the net against Aston Villa after stamping his mark in the opening three games of Erik ten Hag's tenure as United boss. Following a disappointing few seasons and an unfortunate loan spell with Sevilla last term, the former Monaco man looks revitalised under the Dutchman.
The Manchester Evening News understands that the club have decided that Martial will not be sold this season. The 26-year-old found the back of the net against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory before notching a brace against Crystal Palace.
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Young — who enjoyed a successful nine years at Old Trafford, winning the Premier League in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season — re-signed for Aston Villa last season. He wore the armband for Steven Gerrard's side against United after coming on as a substitute.
United and Villa played out an eventful 2-2 draw in Perth but the weather and condition of the pitch stole the headlines after torrential rain resulted in unusual circumstances , and United squandered a two-goal lead. In a tough-in-cheek Instagram post, Young wrote: "End of the tour. Thanks Australia we’ve enjoyed nearly every minute. Nice to lead this team again."
"My bro," Martial replied. But the 37-year-old had to send one final message to the United forward, passing on his best wishes.
He commented: "(It) Was good to see you my bro and thanks for your shirt, good luck for the season bro and it’s about time you occupied that No9 shirt." Martial has had the number nine shirt since the departure of Romelu Lukaku but has yet to make the shirt his own.
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