Anthony Martial has been one of the star players on pre-season tour this summer and there was bound to be conversation over whether he could push Cristiano Ronaldo for a starting role in the team.
A lot of this comes down to the fact Martial has done exactly what Erik ten Hag has asked of him on tour, and in the third game against Crystal Palace he led the line exceptionally well.
Also, to see the front three work so efficiently in these games it would make no sense to break it up when the competitive games begin.
Martial has scored three goals in as many games on tour and will be looking to make it four against Aston Villa on Friday.
I mean, for Cristiano Ronaldo, who hasn’t been on tour? Ten Hag won’t do that against Brighton unless we are hit with a few unlucky injuries between now and then.
According to The Athletic, Martial’s contributions this summer have convinced Ten Hag he must stay. Laurie Whitwell reports: “More than the friendlies, however, Ten Hag has been impressed by Martial’s work in training. He produced another session of high standard in United’s first appearance in the Australian city of Perth.”
These claims have been backed up by the Manchester Evening News.
It is understood that United have a new stance on Martial, who they were willing to sell at the start of the summer, with the manager now deciding on his future.
Ronaldo will have to earn his place back in the team…
