This is redemption season at Manchester United and, should Anthony Martial continue in this manner, it might yet turn into a full-blown French revolution. Either way there are brighter times on the horizon and United have a clear transfer plan following their decision on the rejuvenated frontman.
Even with speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo mounting, Martial had an anxious wait when boarding the long flight to Thailand with his United teammates. Four games and three goals later, the foundations have been laid for him to finally make the most of his undoubted talent.
Lofty predictions for Martial must be taken with a pinch of salt. Similarly to United as a collective, there have been too many false dawns for the 26-year-old and the reality is he has only had two good seasons for the club. It is now more than seven years since he joined from AS Monaco in a much-publicised £50million transfer.
United supporters are renowned for their inventive chants and the one used to serenade the Frenchman is right up there with the best of them. However, there was danger it would never be needed again at Old Trafford as a current affair upon watching Martial fire one into the back of the net.
But the vocal chords will be warming up after a stunning pre-season return. Doubts over his immediate future were put to bed when United confirmed he will not be sold this summer, while Erik ten Hag also offered a glimpse into his plans for Martial – although Ronaldo must naturally be taken in account there.
“I’m sure he can come back even better,” declared Ten Hag in Melbourne when pressed on Martial. Whether or not he actually meant that statement might be contested, but it planted the seed and gave the player exactly what he needs to shine at Old Trafford and beyond.
Ten Hag added: “When he has the right focus and the right motivation, and he works hard, he will have production because he is a good player. When he has the right focus and every day delivers much then he will have production and it’s up to him.” Now, those last four words are right and wrong in equal measure.
Getting the most from Martial has always been his issue, despite the knock-on effect for managers and teammates. Still, that man Ronaldo has to be factored in and his decision will be telling in more ways than one.
He will write the script for his second ending at United – whenever that comes – and should the curtains be drawn this summer then Ten Hag must continue to make Martial feel as though he was first-choice for the starring role all along. In that respect, he has already seemingly learned the lesson from past failings.
