Man United have found Cristiano Ronaldo replacement after Erik ten Hag U-turn – pundit
Noel Whelan has backed Anthony Martial to lead the line for Man United at the start of the 2022-23 season after a U-turn on his future.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, hailed the 26-year-old’s “attitude” after returning to the club for pre-season training.
According to the Daily Mirror (21 July), Martial will not be allowed to leave Man United this summer – despite being originally open to letting the striker depart on loan before pre-season.
The France international has scored three goals in as many games during warm-up games in Thailand and Australia as the squad gets to grips with Ten Hag’s methods.
He made just three Red Devils starts in the first half of last season before being shipped out on an unsuccessful loan to Sevilla by Ralf Rangnick in January.
Whelan insisted Martial will “get his rewards” when Ten Hag’s side start their season against Brighton on 7 August.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He must have come back to Man United and shown a great attitude.
“It’s not just scoring goals and getting assists in the games, it’s that work ethic and willingness to listen and learn on the training pitch.
“It is very hard to let a player go when you know he can deliver like Martial can on the pitch.
“Well played to him. He’s worked hard and I’m sure he’ll get his rewards at the start of the season with Ronaldo not quite ready.”
Martial joined Man United for a reported potential fee of £61.5million in 2016.
He has since netted 79 goals in 269 games for the club.
In other news, pundit backs Harry Maguire for new Man United role after confirmed news.