Pat Nevin tells Man United fans to relax about 21-year-old’s future
The former Chelsea midfielder is confident Anthony Martial will blossom into an important Man United player
Pat Nevin has reassured Manchester United fans that Anthony Martial will realise his talent at Old Trafford.
The France international struggled to adapt to life under new manager Jose Mourinho last season following the Chelsea legend’s appointment as Louis van Gaal’s successor.
The Dutch coach was responsible for signing the 21-year-old in a £36m deal from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in the 2015 summer transfer window.
Martial scored on his debut in a 3-1 win against Liverpool before ending up with 11 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions in his first season at Old Trafford.
However, Mourinho used the former Lyon forward more sparingly in the 2016-17 season and the Manchester United boss regularly criticised the France international.
Martial has come off the bench to score late goals in Manchester United’s successive 4-0 victories over West Ham and Swansea City.
The France star made his first Premier League start against Leicester City on Saturday evening but struggled to have a big impact in the 2-0 win.
The Manchester United forward was linked with a potential switch to Serie A with AS Roma and Inter Milan both interested, while Spurs reportedly made a £25m offer for Martial.
But former Chelsea winger Nevin is confident that the Manchester United striker will find his place in the Red Devils team despite a difficult second season.
“Don’t worry about Anthony Martial. I say this to Manchester United fans,” Nevin told Irish radio station Newstalk.
“He is good enough. It will work for him. If they can find a central position for him, he will be fine. He is not as good out wide.”
Manchester United return to Premier League action after the international break with a trip to Stoke City on 9 September.
