Manchester United have reportedly told Erik ten Hag to find a way to use Anthony Martial this season - to save money to spend on other areas.
The French forward has struggled in recent years at United but will be hoping to impress new Dutch boss Ten Hag this summer. He made an encouraging start by scoring during the Red Devils’ 4-0 victory over Liverpool in pre-season in Thailand on Tuesday.
Reports now claim he is set to get his chance this season - because United chief John Murtough has told new boss Ten Hag to get the best out of Martial instead of signing an additional forward.
It has been claimed by talkSPORT that Ten Hag has been urged by United’s hierarchy to work with Martial this summer in a bid to save finances that could be invested into other parts of the squad, with the Red Devils’ board prioritising improving other areas.
While his time at United has had mixed levels of success, one man who is a fan of Martial’s is Red Devils co-chairman Joel Glazer. Back in 2019, The Mirror reported that Martial’s future at Old Trafford was secured, with Glazer viewing him as the club’s “Pele” and considering him his favourite player.
Martial has spent the past seven years at United after leaving Monaco in a move worth up to £58million in 2015. In that time, the 30-time France international has scored 79 times in 269 appearances for United, a spell that has included winning the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Europa League.
However, last season, Martial made only eight Premier League appearances for United before being sent to Seville on loan, a campaign that ended in two goals in 23 appearances in all competitions for both United and Sevilla combined.
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So far, United have completed just one signing this summer, landing Dutch international left-back Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord in a move worth up to £15m including add-ons. Malacia made his debut during United’s 4-0 pre-season win over Liverpool in Thailand on Tuesday.
In that game, Jadon Sancho, Fred and Martial all netted in the first half to put the Red Devils 3-0 up. They completed their rout in the second half with Facundo Pellistri coming off the bench to add a fourth.
United are next in action on Friday against Australian side Melbourne Victory before further pre-season clashes with Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano this month.
The Red Devils start their 2022/23 Premier League season officially next month against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, August 7 against Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford.
