Anthony Martial's reaction in training shows he is ready for his next challenge at Manchester United

Early on in Manchester United's training session at the WACA on Thursday morning, Alejandro Garnacho played a one-two with Zidane Iqbal and was immediately cornered by Anthony Martial.

Martial stared imperiously at Garnacho, a Gallic glare the greatest French United striker would approve of. He soon gave Garnacho an avuncular pat on the head and the bib. It was his turn to play piggy in the middle.

Last month, Garnacho might have eyed Martial's role in the United squad. Not anymore. Garnacho has not had a kick across United's first three pre-season matches in what could be remembered as the tour of renewal for Martial.

A wantaway who United were prepared to give away, Martial is now certain to stay beyond the September 1 transfer deadline. Erik ten Hag decided two weeks ago Martial was essential to his plans, his importance increased by Cristiano Ronaldo's indefinite absence.

There was not a market for Martial, a 26-year-old France international forward with a maximum of three years remaining on his contract and eight United goals in the last two years. He was loanable but not sellable. Now he might be untouchable.

Three games, three goals and three laudable finishes. The dink over Alisson was trademark Martial; reminiscent of the hat-trick goal he claimed against Sheffield United two years ago when he appeared to be developing into the modern No.9 United were yearning for.

Against Melbourne Victory, Martial opportunistically seized on the loose ball from Anthony Elanga's miscontrol. It was one of those "scruffy" strikes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer repeatedly demanded from Martial, a scorer of great goals but not a great goalscorer.

In the 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace, he lurked on the shoulder of the last defender and