Expert issues ‘massive’ Anthony Martial claim as Man United footage emerges
Noel Whelan has suggested Anthony Martial can be a “big player” for Man United this season after his pre-season success.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the door is “massively open” for the 26-year-old under Erik ten Hag after his unsuccessful spell at Sevilla last term.
Martial scored his third goal in three pre-season outings on Tuesday (19 July) as Man United ran out 3-1 winners against Crystal Palace in Australia.
The France international made just three Red Devils starts in the first half of last season before being shipped out on loan by Ralf Rangnick in January.
Whelan claimed new boss Ten Hag has “reopened the door” for Martial ahead of his eighth season at Old Trafford.
“This pre-season could be a real turning point for him,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“One door may have been shut under the previous managers, but that door has reopened under Ten Hag.
“It’s now up to him to walk through it and show the manager that you are worthy of being a Man United player, and someone who is going to run themselves into the ground for the club.
“Not many of them did that last season.
“The door is massively open, and he’s showing the attitude and mentality that you want from him – and Ten Hag will be happy with that.
“He could be a big player for Man United this season.”
The future of veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo is still shrouded in mystery after he reportedly asked to leave the club earlier this summer.
Martial’s best return for Man United came in the 2019-20 season, when he notched 23 goals and 12 assists in 48 outings.
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