When Anthony Martial joined Sevilla on loan in January, it’s safe to say that Manchester United and their erratic French striker were ready for a permanent parting of the ways.
Martial admitted that he had lost his love of football in Manchester, and United were ready to listen to offers this summer seven years after making him the most expensive teenager in football.
Things can change quickly in this game, though. Days after Martial left for Spain, Mason Greenwood was arrested and has since been unavailable. Edinson Cavani left Old Trafford at the end of the season, and top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to return amid concerns over his future.
Anthony Martial has been in fine form during pre-season after returning to Manchester United
The forward has scored in all three games so far after being given a clean slate at the club
Martial rejoined United this summer and has suddenly been propelled from an outcast to the club’s No 1 striker on their tour of Thailand and Australia.
From looking like he was on his way, the 26-year-old is now nailed on to stay after Erik ten Hag ruled out the possibility of him being sold.
Even if Ronaldo was to return to training next week — which seems unlikely — Martial is set to start the season up front after seizing his second chance with both hands.
He has scored in all three games on tour so far against Liverpool, Melbourne and Crystal Palace, and added two assists. That’s as many goals as Martial scored last season — one each for United, Sevilla and France.
If Ronaldo has cast a cloud over this tour then Martial has been a breath of fresh air. In the past, his body language has left a lot to be desired on and off the pitch, but sources describe a much more cheerful individual in camp on this tour.
There is a video on the club’s website of Martial cracking up with laughter as he takes part in a staring contest with his France team-mate Raphael Varane.
Martial was on the scoresheet against rivals Liverpool during their friendly in Thailand
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given Martial the chance to start fresh
In training at the WACA in Perth yesterday, he looked United’s most polished performer as ten Hag’s squad trained in front of thousands of fans.
On days like that, it is easy to wonder at Martial’s talents but also question just how close he has come to letting them go to waste.
After moving to Old Trafford from Monaco in a deal worth up to…