Anthony Martial tipped for new Man United role after Sky update – pundit
Alan Hutton has claimed Anthony Martial could be the ideal replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo at Man United next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Tottenham and Aston Villa defender said that Erik ten Hag may be able to draw out Martial’s potential.
According to Sky Sports (27 July) Ronaldo, 37, returned to United to begin talks with Ten Hag over his future with the club.
The Red Devils are said to be willing to listen to offers for the Portuguese international who will return to training with the club next week.
The striker has 12 months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford that includes the option of a further year.
Martial, 26, has scored in three consecutive Man United pre-season games.
When asked if the French international could take Ronaldo’s place next season, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think he will be one of the options.
“Obviously Ten Hag will need to bring somebody in if they let Ronaldo go but he fits that mould of the player that Ten Hag wants.
“If you look at the boys he brought in, they’re all young, hungry. [Marcus] Rashford, [Jadon] Sancho, all these kinds of guys he wants that kind of Ajax way. Young players who he can develop and mould into what he wants.
“I know Martial has been there for a long time and he’s maybe not quite hit the heights that everybody expected but maybe Ten Hag thinks he can get that out of him.
“I think it’s a good option. He can definitely score goals. If Ronaldo isn’t there I think he’ll definitely start at number nine.“
In other news, a pundit expected Man United to ‘entertain offers’ for Eric Bailly and star teammate.