Dimitar Berbatov tells Anthony Martial how to save his Manchester United career

Dimitar Berbatov says Anthony Martial needs to switch up his game if he is to prove he can be a part of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United plans beyond this season.

The former Old Trafford striker says he is rooting for the Frenchman, who needs encouragement from his teammates with stagnation a real danger. Martial is playing back-up to Rasmus Hojlund this season, starting in just four of his 15 appearances.

The attacker’s contract expires in the summer, meaning he can speak to overseas clubs in January should his one-year extension not be triggered. There is the possibility that Martial has his clause activated so the club can reap a fee for him next summer.

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Ten Hag was open to the forward leaving during the last window and Martial now faces a race against time to save his United career. He could feature against Everton on Sunday with Hojlund’s fitness in the balance.

“I really hope Martial has a future at Man United. I’m a bit biased because I used to play with him, and I saw the quality he has.” Berbatov told Betfair. "He needs to be shaken up a little bit, and there are moments where he needs to push hard and change his game.

"I saw in the last couple of games, he did that, he pressed, he was angry in his body language and going hard towards the opposition."

Martial has been at United for more than eight years and many have become disillusioned with the forward’s output. The 27-year-old was injured for more than 30 games last season, including the League Cup and FA Cup finals.

After recovering from the hamstring injury that kept him out of June’s FA Cup final, Martial has managed to stay fit