'Tasteless, odorless, colourless': Former Man Utd star MOCKED on debut for new club

Suraj Radia

• 24 Oct 2024 22:30 BST
• 3 min read

Anthony Martial has endured tough times throughout his career in recent years and the former Manchester United striker was described as ‘tasteless’ on his debut for new club AEK Athens.

Martial left United in the summer on a free transfer, having arrived at Old Trafford as the world’s most expensive teenager when he joined from Monaco for €60 million in 2015.

Such has been the Frenchman’s decline in recent seasons that he failed to find a new club during the transfer window, eventually joining Greek side AEK last month on a three-year deal.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

Having taken time to build up his fitness, Martial made his debut for AEK against rivals PAOK last weekend, coming off the bench in the 76th minute in a 1-1 draw.

Martial’s 14 minute cameo saw him have just four touches of the ball, one of which lost possession, while the 28-year-old lost both his duels but completed two passes.

The display led to Greek outlet SDNA commenting on Martial’s performance, writing: “How was Martial's debut in the Greek league? The French forward played as a substitute for about 20 minutes, while his participation can be described as ‘colourless, odourless, and tasteless.’"

AEK preach ‘patience’ despite ‘tasteless’ Martial debut

Martial had a low-key ending to his time at United, with a host of injuries limiting him to just 42 Premier League games in the final three years of his deal, scoring eight goals.

The former French international was handed the most lucrative contract in AEK’s history but the forward has yet to repay the faith of his new side, although he has also yet to reach his peak fitness.

Despite the harsh comments surrounding his debut, SDNA acknowledged that ‘patience’ was necessary as Martial builds up his fitness to justify his signing.

“Obviously, they are all obliged to wait for the highly paid, but out-of-form footballer," journalist Kostas Kofinas wrote.

“[AEK coach Matias] Almeida threw Martial into the battle without having prepared him in the ideal way: Without a match against the B team of AEK.

“Not even in a friendly did he get to know his teammates in match conditions and the result was the confirmation that he needs more time for them to learn him and for him to learn them. Patience!”