Anthony Martial To Start Upfront For Manchester United Ahead Of Cristiano Ronaldo

Anthony Martial is set to start upfront for Manchester United at the start of the season, even if Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't left the club.

Martial looked likely to leave Old Trafford at the start of the summer, even after failing to turn his loan move to Sevilla at the beginning of the year into a permanent move.

The forward's lack of form in England and Spain made him a prime candidate to leave under Erik ten Hag and there were reports the club were ready to pay him a whopping £12 million to leave.

Ronaldo is yet to train with his teammates this summer. Image: Alamy

However, he has quickly become an integral part of United's pre season plans, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo staying at home for 'personal reasons,' in the wake of him telling the club he wants to leave.

Martial has scored in all three games, against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace, and has formed a brilliant trio with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

According to the Guardian, the 26-year-old is now expected to start the league season leading the line for Ten Hag's side, against Brighton on August 7th, even if Ronaldo is still there.

Martial has impressed this summer. Image: Alamy

The 37-year-old forward wants out of Old Trafford in order to play Champions League football but his options are running out at the moment.

PSG, Bayern Munich and Chelsea have all decided against signing the former Real Madrid forward, leaving him still looking for a new club.

Atletico Madrid look to be the last option, after the player rejected a huge offer to go to Saudi Arabia, but it won't be so easy to join Diego Simeone's side.

Having played across the city for Real, and been a huge thorn in Atleti's side, fans aren't too keen to see the five time Ballon d'Or winner rock up at the Metropolitano Stadium.

Ten Hag doesn't want to start a player who isn't integrated into the team yet. Image: Alamy

Speaking at his press conference on Friday morning, Ten Hag was asked about Martial, Rashford and Sancho starting the season together, saying, "It could be. They connect really good together. When you see that you are lucky as a manager, we have a threat, we have weapons, and we have to improve that every day, to develop that."

The Dutchman added that he was looking forward to 'integrating' Ronaldo into the team at training when they return from Australia.

Ten Hag also added that the club could still add players in midfield and upfront, with Frenkie de Jong's move still on the table and Ajax's Antony also linked.