“He could have a part to play as long as he keeps his head down”- Anthony Martial can resurrect his career in Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, feels Bryan Robson
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Following an encouraging start to pre-season, former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson believes Anthony Martial has what it takes to get his career back on track at Old Trafford. Martial has three goals in United’s first three pre-season matches, scoring against Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Melbourne Victory. In the absence of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, he started both games and led the front three.
The France international joined United seven years ago and spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla, where he struggled to make an impact. He only appeared in 12 games for the La Liga club, scoring one goal.
Due to his struggles at Sevilla, he returned to Old Trafford this summer with his future uncertain. However, due to the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future, he has been given the opportunity to try to resurrect his career under Erik ten Hag. And, according to former Reds midfielder Robson, Martial could play a role
“He’s been in good form, he looks nice and sharp in training and in the two games he’s done well – got two goals, so his confidence should be coming back, and I feel like he could have a part to play,” Robson told MUTV, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s friendly victory over Crystal Palace.
“You can’t look at last season because he lost his confidence. But the season before, he was in good form. He can be a good option with Cristiano (Ronaldo). He could have a part to play as long as he keeps his head on and is determined in his performances.” he added.
Addressing the game with Palace itself, Robson continued, “[We need to see] a continuation of how we’ve been playing in the two games. The boys look like they’re understanding what the manager wants. We’ve scored good goals so you want to see more of that, you don’t want to see them resting on their laurels. They need to continue to do that pressing that the manager is doing on the training pitch.”
Manchester United 3-1 Crystal Palace: As it happened
Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho all got on the scoresheet as Manchester United kept up their pre-season winning streak with a 3-1 victory over a weakened Crystal Palace side in Melbourne. A few defensive lapses aside, United were on top throughout as the promising signs under new manager Erik ten Hag continued against the Eagles.
United should have gone ahead inside ten minutes when Martial was sent through by a clever reverse pass by Fred. Martial made up for his miss not long after though, taking down Diogo Dalot’s cross at the back post and volleying past substitute keeper Remi Matthews.
Less than three minutes after the restart United doubled their advantage with a fine team goal. Martial, Sancho and Donny van de Beek were all involved, with Rashford eventually applying the finishing touch at the back post. A few minutes later the front three of Rashford, Martial and Sancho combined again for a third goal.
Rashford fired a ball into Martial and the Frenchman helped it along to Sancho, who waited for his chance to plant it into the back of the net. Before the final whistle, United youngster Will Fish had his evening spoiled when he saw red for a professional foul on Victor Akinwale when he was in on goal. Palace could not break down United’s 10 men though, as they slumped to a second successive tour defeat.
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Sujeeth Shetty
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