Greek media make feelings clear on Anthony Martial's AEK Athens debut as Man Utd flop makes first appearance

The Greek media has made its feelings clear on former Manchester United forward Anthony Martial's debut for AEK Athens.

Martial signed for AEK in September after his Manchester United contract expired.

The 28-year-old took the number 26 shirt and signed a three-year contract until the summer of 2027.

Martial missed his side's first three matches as he worked his way up to full fitness, having not played a competitive fixture for 10 months dating back to his final season at United.

The Frenchman was named on the bench for AEK's Greek Super League fixture against PAOK on Sunday.

He came off the bench for the final 16 minutes of the 1-1 draw.

Martial only had four touches of the ball in the time that he was on the pitch, with AEK failing to find a winning goal after both sides scored in the first half.

And sections of the media in Greece were less than impressed with his display.

Writing for national outlet The News, journalist Kostas Kofinas described Martial's performance as 'colourless and tasteless'.

He said: "How was Martial's debut in the Greek league? The French forward played as a substitute for about 20 minutes, while his participation can be described as colourless, odorless and tasteless."

Anthony Martial pictured - Getty

Kofinas also asked fans to have 'patience' over Martial, given that he surprisingly did not feature in a friendly for AEK's 'B' team - amid his lack of fitness - before being handed minutes for the senior side.

Upon his arrival in Greece - where he became the highest-paid player in Greek Super League history - eKathimerini described him as 'a player who 'should' have come to Greece at 38, not 28'.

But the report also added: "Coach [Mathias] Almeyda will now work with Martial, aiming to help him rediscover his form and remind the soccer world of who he was - and perhaps who he could still be. After all, the Frenchman is only 28 years old."