The presence of Ronaldo and Timo Werner has triggered a debate as to whether Anthony Martial should play the right-back position or winger. The Frenchman has scored two goals in his last two Premier League appearances and is a potential success story for manager Erik Ten Hag. However, it is unclear what exactly Ronaldo is going to do in the future. That’s why United are looking for clarity on Ronaldo’s future status.
Anthony Martial’s return from a disappointing loan spell at Sevilla
In a scathing report published in Spain’s leading football outlet, the press has declared that Anthony Martial’s loan spell with Sevilla was a ‘fiasco’. The Frenchman, who joined the club in January, made just two Premier League starts in the first half of the season. Though his move to Sevilla looked like a boon for everyone involved, the move soon turned into a disaster and left Martial with the party hat on.
If Cristiano R’s return from a frustrating loan spell at Sevilla brings Cristiano R back to Manchester United, then Martial must be kept on the bench in order to avoid the position change that Martial has been struggling to settle into since his arrival from Sevilla. The Frenchman has made it clear that he has no desire to return to Sevilla and has no option but to focus on proving himself at Old Trafford.
If Cristiano R returns from his disappointing loan spell at Sevilla, Erik ten Hag will be left with a difficult decision on what to do with Martial. Martial has failed to impress Ralf Rangnick and was dumped by the club after only nine La Liga appearances. He has been injured for two months and has not scored since February against Elche. The Frenchman has scored only once in his last five games and has only been recalled from loan to Sevilla.
If Cristiano R’s move to Sevilla continues, then Martial will need to be in a similar position as Cristiano R once was. The Frenchman has struggled to impress the Spanish media and has been out of favour for the last few months. While Martial’s time with Sevilla has been disappointing, the chances are high that he will return to Manchester in the summer.
Ronaldo’s absence
If Ronaldo leaves Manchester United, Anthony Martial will have to move to the bench. While his preference is to play up top, there are other options for the Frenchman in the United squad. The striker has been a positive for United and the team has gained momentum from his play up front. If the situation continues, Martial will have to move to the bench unless the manager decides otherwise.
A striker is the most natural position for Anthony Martial. With the club’s other options in the squad, Anthony Rashford will have to learn the position. This could put the future of the team in his hands. If Ronaldo’s absence causes Martial to switch positions, he can play centrally or on the left. Rashford, however, isn’t a natural defender.
If Martial is moved to the centre, it could double the transfer activity of Manchester United’s transfer staff. United’s transfer work force is notoriously inept and there is no guarantee that any one player will be a success. Martial could easily appear to be a starter, but the lack of consistency and hunger have scuppered his progress in recent months.
If Cristiano R’s injury causes an Anthony Martial position change, Martial must prove himself in a more aggressive game. He must lead the line, rate his aims, stretch his body, and involve those close to him. If Ronaldo leaves Manchester United, Martial must make the most of his opportunity and keep his place in the team. There are many positive signs for Anthony Martial, but he must develop outstanding skills to stay in the team.
Timo Werner
It’s no secret that Timo Werner has been linked with a move to Juventus this summer. He’s been impressive this season, scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances for Chelsea and Germany. He’ll be hoping to avoid the same fate in his current Chelsea loan spell against Leeds United. The winger missed a golden opportunity to open his account early in the game, but his effort was blocked.
If Cristiano R were to sign for Manchester United, a position switch to striker might be the logical option. While Anthony Martial’s injury might force him to play on the left flank, the German striker is capable of switching to a deeper position in the midfield, which is why he’s in such great form at the moment. However, if Cristiano R were to play for the Red Devils, Timo Werner must be a top priority for United.
If Cristiano R moves to the Red Devils, Timo Werner must avoid a position change. The Frenchman’s contract expires in June 2024, and Werner will need to avoid any position change to remain a starter for the Red Devils. If Anthony Martial leaves, then Timo Werner must ensure that he doesn’t switch to a winger.
The former Real Madrid star is on his way to England to discuss his future with the club’s manager Erik ten Hag. Although Ronaldo has informed Manchester United of his desire to leave this summer, the Red Devils have insisted he will stay at Old Trafford and fight for his spot next season. So, if Cristiano R doesn’t stay, Timo Werner must be prepared to take over as Anthony Martial’s replacement.
Juventus’ interest in Anthony Martial
The news that Juventus have expressed an interest in signing Manchester United forward Anthony Martial comes as no surprise. The Frenchman has been in good form in pre-season under new manager Erik ten Hag. After a loan spell to Sevilla last season, Martial looked to be in the process of a comeback in the Premier League. However, the winger failed to score in nine LaLiga appearances. Juventus are now reportedly keen on signing Martial, but the Manchester United side will be keen to keep their star.
United’s interest in Martial is understandable given his desire to leave Old Trafford. However, the transfer would also free up significant money in United’s wage budget, allowing them to sign new players during the January transfer window. Although a permanent move to Juventus is unlikely, a loan deal could be in the cards for Martial. The Italian side are light in attack, and it is expected that a move to the Serie A giants could help them shore up their finances.
In addition to Juventus’ interest in Martial, other top clubs have shown an interest. Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic are reportedly also on the club’s radar. However, the Old Lady’s interest in Martial could depend on whether or not the Blues can sell one of their other stars, Willian or Pedro.
The situation with Martial at United is a delicate one. The Frenchman is unhappy at Old Trafford and isn’t interested in staying in England. The club has received offers from Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, but Martial has refused all of them. In fact, he has been playing the central role this summer as a result of Ronaldo’s lack of match time. If this trend continues, Martial could be a major force for the Red Devils next season.
Ten Hag’s ability to manage a team
The Ajax manager left the club on a high note, claiming the league title and a transfer to Manchester United. With United fans hopeful of a bright future under his wing, Ten Hag has given United fans much to look forward to in his first season as manager. But the Dutchman is also aware of the challenges that await him in Manchester. Here’s his quick-fire review of the challenges ahead.
First of all, Ten Hag has a proven track record at managing a club. As a sporting director for FC Utrecht from 2011 to 2015, he led them into the Europa League. In November 2017, he led them to victory against Ajax. The Dutch champions sacked their first manager, Marcel Keizer, after only five months. Ten Hag was named Keizer’s replacement.
His teams have a reputation for being high-pressing, playing a high defensive line and defending aggressively. However, they also play fast in transition. Ten Hag’s players often commit themselves to forward positions, attempting to find a pass between opponents’ defensive lines. His midfield is also very fluid, alternating between attacking space and dropping deep. Ten Hag has often used Edson Alvarez in a defensive role, but his style is a mix of both.
The Dutchman’s approach to managing a team is similar to that of his Ajax side, but the style of his English is not as fluent. However, he does manage to convey his point in a brisk and terse way, which has been a big plus for the team. Although he does not speak like Ralf Rangnick, Ten Hag’s sarcastic tone conveys his message very well.