Anthony Martial’s career may take another twist this summer, with the club looking to him to potentially fill an attacking gap in the squad.
With Manchester United looking likely to confirm up to three signings in the next week, the budget for an attacking reinforcement may become limited.
On Tuesday, Anthony Martial produced a Man of the Match display against Liverpool, scoring on his return to the club during the side’s first pre-season friendly of the summer.
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It was a performance that reminded many fans of the season in which the French striker was signed as a 19-year-old, scoring 17 goals in said debut season and playing with lots of energy, freedom and movement.
Martial’s time at the club has been a series of serious peaks and troughs, from his incredible debut season to scoring two goals across 23 appearances for two different clubs last season.
His most successful season so far at Manchester United came in 19/20, where he scored 23 goals and registered 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions.
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The season after, rather inexplicably, the striker struggled for goals and only scored seven across the season, registering nine assists.
It slipped to rock bottom last season, with the player scoring one goal in 12 appearances for United, before a six-month loan to Sevilla saw the striker score one further goal in 11 appearances for the Spanish outfit.
Despite these rather disappointing last two years, it has been reported Manchester United chiefs believe the December born 26-year-old can ‘save them a fortune in the transfer market this summer’ by reviving his career at the club.
After his performance against Liverpool, Erik ten Hag may be encouraged by this apparent new found energy, and may look to use the player in a significant way, should he rediscover his scintillating best.
But new manager Erik ten Hag is being encouraged by the club to find a role for the player.
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This has come after Ajax priced United out of a move for Brazilian winger Antony, with the club asking for upwards of £60 million for the wide man, despite Antony attempting to pressure the Dutch club to accept the interest from Manchester.
Another Ajax player who expressed an interest in moving to Manchester United and is set to complete his transfer to the club today is defender Lisandro Martinez. Both Ajax and United are expected to come to a complete agreement for the player today, with some sources stating that Ajax have accepted a bid of £46 million for the player.
Another signing who is set to be completed soon is Frenkie de Jong, with David Ornstein confirming that the two clubs have agreed on a guaranteed fee of £63 million plus a further £8.5 million in bonuses.
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All that is left now is to agree personal terms with the player, and Manchester United are convinced that this will not be a problem.
Christian Eriksen is set to be confirmed at some point this week, with a thorough medical taking place due to his heart condition.
Manchester United take on Melbourne Victory on Friday at 11:05 BST in what is the first of three matches in Australia.
Featured Image Credit: Manchester UnitedTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Anthony Martial, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Transfers
