Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole seems to have been heavily impressed by Anthony Martial after his display against Liverpool.
United faced Liverpool in their preseason opener in what resulted in a feast for the Red Devils. Anthony Martial, Fred, Jadon Sancho and Facundo Pellistri all scored for United to inflict a 4-0 loss on Liverpool.
Martial returned from his six-month loan spell at Sevilla before joining Ten Hag’s preparations. The striker failed to regain his form back after scoring 1 goal and assisting another in 12 appearances for Sevilla.
While uncertainty was languishing on his Man United future, Ten Hag has backed him to be a part of his next season plans. And it appear that the 26-year-old is trying everything possible to repay the faith shown by the boss in him.
Cole left awestruck with 45 minutes of Manchester United striker
Andy Cole was in the box for MUTV for United’s clash with Liverpool. The former striker who scored 120 goals in 274 games for Manchester United came down heavily on Martial in his pre-match analysis.
Cole started, “He’s got to make his mind up what he really wants. I’m yet to see him sprint full out in five years. Hopefully the manager can get something out of him.”
However, the first-half saw a complete different Martial who scored the third goal for his side. The Frenchman powerfully pressed Rhy Williams on the right-flank before stealing the ball to finish off his daunting run with a brilliant chip over Alisson.
Andy Cole was quick to reassess Martial at the half-time saying, “That’s the quickest I’ve seen him move. He’s closed down really well. Once he gets himself in the box he’s very composed. He’s got all the attributes, he’s got to marry everything together.”
Cole further added, “He’s got belief in his own ability. Scoring like that in first game of pre-season is only going to give him more confidence.”
Surely, Cole looks convinced that Ten Hag’s helm can bring the change in the fortunes of Martial.
United looked more competitive than ever in their preseason friendly launching a surprise attack on Liverpool. While the Ten Hag era has commenced on a positive note, only the 2022/23 season will tell the whole story.