Manchester United have received a huge boost on the road from an important player returning from injury.
The club officially confirmed, in unexpected and surprising news, that Anthony Martial is back in team training.
Martial’s return comes just days after manager Erik ten Hag declared the Frenchman had suffered a setback and was in a tough race against time to play for the Red Devils ahead of the World Cup.
However, the striker is now in training, a state of affairs that will please the coach.
Martial was photographed in training today in a jovial mood, joking and playing with his team-mates just one day after United claimed all three points against West Ham.
Anthony Martial at Man Utd training today.
That smile.. ????pic.twitter.com/bFl84nowLl
— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) October 31, 2022
The 26-year-old couldn’t have timed his return at a better time.
United. As excellent as they have been, they have clearly been crying out for a competent striker to come in and do the business.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been less than convincing every time he’s been given the chance, and as he did against the Hammers last night, he seemed out of step with most of his team-mates.
Ten Hag himself alluded to this after the match when he said he repeatedly asked the 37-year-old to stay in the box and stop going deep to collect the ball.
The Dutch boss said: “I said at half time, don’t go down too fast, [wait for a] later moment. First, let the midfield and defense do the work.”
“Then, at the last moment, he leaves to attract players or to have the freedom to be creative, score a goal or make the final pass.”
????️ Erik ten Hag: “Then, at the last moment, leave to attract players or to have the freedom to be creative, score a goal or give the final pass.” [Sky Sports]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) October 30, 2022
This is something that Martial excels at with great accuracy, and that will significantly raise the roof of the team in the coming games.
With Real Sociedad and Aston Villa following, hopefully Martial returns to the team and makes his mark.
