Erik ten Hag has warned Anthony Martial his hopes of fully resurrecting his career are dependent on a demonstration of total commitment to his new manager’s rebuilding process.
The enigmatic Martial signed for United nearly seven years ago and while his talent is undoubted, he has rarely been capable of delivering on a consistent basis for a series of managers.
Martial’s United career looked all but over when he was loaned out to Sevilla back in January, but returned to Old Trafford after an underwhelming spell in Spain, during which he scored just one goal in 12 appearances.
’s no-show has, however, afforded Martial an unlikely opportunity to make an instant impression on Ten Hag and the early signs have been encouraging.
The 26-year-old scored a superb goal in Tuesday’s 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool and was on the scoresheet again as United cantered to another thumping win on Friday, a 4-1 win over Melbourne Victory.
Asked whether the former Monaco forward was likely to feature prominently in his plans this season, Ten Hag insisted that was totally dependent on Martial and his attitude.
‘I’m sure he will come back and even better I think when he has the right focus and right motivation and he works hard, then he will have production because he is a good player.
‘When he has the right focus every day and delivers the maximum he will have production and it’s up to him.’
Ten Hag, meanwhile, was encouraged again by the performances of Diogo Dalot and Jadon Sancho, who dovetailed effectively down United’s right-hand side.
He said: ‘I think the whole right side played really well, there was a good connection with Jadon Sancho and Diogo Dalot, mixed in with Bruno and Anthony Martial and also McTominay.’
The former Ajax manager also revealed both David de Gea and Raphael Varane, who missed out through injury, are expected to make swift returns from minor injuries.
He added: ‘David you saw against Liverpool he fell out but he’s back on the training pitch so no big worry.
‘Varane also training but something small but I expect him back on the training pitch soon.’
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