Anthony Martial only played little over ten minutes of football under Ralf Rangnick during the German’s ill-fated interim spell in charge of the Red Devils last season.
But the Frenchman linked up with Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo in that time to allow Marcus Rashford to tap home a stoppage time winner against West Ham United at Old Trafford on 22 January.
Three days after helping United beat the Hammers, United’s number nine joined La Liga side Sevilla on loan for the remainder of the campaign where he underwhelmed and scored one goal in 12 appearances.
Upon returning to United in the summer, there were no guarantees that the 26-year-old would form part of Erik ten Hag’s plans.
But the former Monaco wonderkid has become a vital part of what the Dutchman is trying to build at Old Trafford despite enduring a frustrating start to the campaign.
Anthony Martial’s fortunes are looking up 10 months on from Villa Park debacle
After impressing during Tour 22, Martial has suffered three different injuries during the brief time the former Ajax manager has been at the helm.
But when the 30-time France international has been fit and available his importance to Ten Hag’s side is clear to see.
From four appearances this season, the mercurial Frenchman has been directly involved in a goal in every game and has three goals and two assists to his name.
Despite not playing any more than 45 minutes in a game yet this season, Martial has already surpassed the measly two goals he managed during the 2021-22 campaign.
Despite returning to training after recovering from the back injury he suffered against Everton last month, Ten Hag opted against taking him to San Sebastian.
With extra time to continue his recovery at Carrington, Martial could return to the United squad for Sunday’s clash against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
It was only ten months ago that one of Martial’s most challenging moments during his career came ahead of United’s trip to Villa Park.
Rangnick claimed that Martial refused to be part of the squad that drew 2-2 against Villa and resulted in the now Austria manager selecting eight of nine substitutes, two of which were goalkeepers.
Martial hit back at the German’s claim and stated that he would never refuse to play a match for Manchester United, but the already fractured relationship between the pair never healed.
But unlike under Rangnick, Martial sees the importance and value he brings to Ten Hag’s side, and when he’s managed to shrug off his fitness issues, he’ll likely be picked ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the Dutchman’s best XI due to his all-round game and ability to press from the front.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
