Former Red Devils striker Dimitar Berbatov has explained why he loves Manchester United marksman Anthony Martial.
Erik ten Hag’s number nine has suffered three separate injuries since the Dutchman took the reins at Old Trafford.
It’s been a frustrating stop, start 2022-23 campaign for the 26-year-old, but having not been included in France’s 26-man World Cup squad by Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps, the mercurial Frenchman has the opportunity to undergo another mini pre-season and hit the ground running when the domestic season resumes next month.
Despite being in and out of the United side due to injury, Martial has four goals and two assists from seven appearances this season following an impressive pre-season under Ten Hag where he scored three goals in three consecutive tour games in Thailand and Australia.
Dimitar Berbatov explains why he loves Anthony Martial
Despite there being 15 years between them, Martial and Berbatov played alongside one and other 25 times for Monaco.
Martial, who joined United from the Ligue 1 giants in 2015, assisted Berbatov in a 3-1 win for Monaco against Arsenal in a Champions League last-16 first leg game at the Emirates Stadium back in February 2015.
“I have my love for certain players in the [current United] team. For Anthony Martial, it’s because I used to play with him,” Berbatov told the club’s website.
“I want to see him play, I want to see him go out there and do what he can do.
“I hope he can stay fit – and that goes for every player, for sure.”
Having started just three games for United this season and not yet completing the full 90 minutes in a competitive match this campaign, Berbatov hopes his former teammate can shrug off his injury woes and shine in Spain next month when Ten Hag’s men will play two friendlies against La Liga sides Real Betis and Cadiz.
“He had a great pre-season,” said Berbatov
“You’re fired up, your confidence is up there. And then you get an injury and that can be a problem. That can be something that stops your confidence, stops your flow. And then you need time to get fit and you need to get integrated back into the training process and into the games.
“If that happens, let me tell you, it’s not a pleasant feeling. It can be a fast process or a slow process. Other players are playing football, so you need to catch up to them. Other players are getting into the team. So that’s why I say the most important thing is to stay fit. Stay fit, be smart.”
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
