Martial scores AGAIN: Has Ten Hag found Man Utd's Ronaldo replacement?

James Shearman

Updated: 15 Jul 2022 17:52 BST
4 min read

Erik ten Hag has been impressed by Anthony Martial's contribution to Manchester United in their opening games of preseason.

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Martial scored in the 4-0 win over Liverpool on Tuesday and scored again on Friday as the Red Devils beat Melbourne Victory 4-1.

The 26-year-old has been linked with another move away from the club, but his recent performances could have earned him a place in the squad.

''I’m sure he can come back even better,'' Ten Hag said after United’s win in Australia.

''I think when he has the right focus and the right motivation and he works hard he will have production because he is a good player.

''I say when he has the right focus and every day delivers his max then he will have production and it’s up to him.''

The Frenchman spent the second half of the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Sevilla, having struggled for gametime under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick, but could be back in the fold for the upcoming season.

And, any improvement in Martial's game could be vital with Cristiano Ronaldo looking for a way out.

Whether it be that Ronaldo is sold to another club, or just isn't in the right frame of mind to play, the forward may be presented with an opportunity to fill the Portugal international's shoes.

Now, while he won't get close to the level Ronaldo reached in his peak, as of right now, a firing Martial could provide a similar number of goals, while contributing a whole lot more off the ball - a focus on Ten Hag's play style.

Ronaldo to leave Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo has asked Manchester United to let him leave this summer if they receive an appropriate offer.

Ronaldo, 37, re-joined Man Utd from Juventus last summer but has already requested an exit from Old Trafford, according to multiple reports.

His agent, Jorge Mendes, recently met with new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly and a transfer to the Blues was discussed, while Jose Mourinho's Roma and Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move for the forward.

Thomas Tuchel wants different kind of players and project, this is why he decided against Cristiano Ronaldo deal. 🔵 #CFC

Cristiano has turned down a formal, lucrative proposal from Saudi and an approach from MLS club.

Ten Hag, waiting for him.

📲 More: https://t.co/g3ozfqeWX3 pic.twitter.com/9yZpgdA5Wq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 15, 2022

Ronaldo, who has just one year left on his deal at Old Trafford, scored 18 league goals last season, but couldn't help Man Utd into the top four as they slumped to their worst points tally in the Premier League era.

Their sixth-place finish means they will be competing in the Europa League in Erik ten Hag's first campaign at the helm.

However, Ronaldo has made it clear that he wishes to leave the club to avoid Europe's secondary club competition.

The 37-year-old has never played in the Europa League, competing in the Champions League for 19 straight seasons since leaving Sporting CP in 2003.

And, it's reported that Ronaldo's decision to seek an Old Trafford exit revolves around his desire to continue that streak into a 20th season and beyond.

He believes he is still capable of performing at the highest level, which he displayed last season by notching six goals in seven Champions League games in the 2021/22 campaign, so his second exit from the club could be close.