Erik ten Hag can follow Jose Mourinho advice with Manchester United striker Anthony Martial

Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has been rejuvenated ever since Erik ten Hag stepped into the dugout and for that devastating pre-season form to continue, the new boss may have to follow advice from former United manager Jose Mourinho.

Martial, 26, endured a frustrating loan spell at Sevilla last campaign and it looked for all the world that his days at United might be numbered heading into the summer transfer window. However, due to circumstances, the former AS Monaco star was granted a surprise opportunity by Ten Hag in pre-season — and has taken it with both hands.

With no genuine suitors for the Frenchman, and speculation over Cristiano Ronaldo's future at the club, Martial is the only recognised senior striking option available to United at this stage. And with three goals in as many pre-season outings on tour, there is a platform for one last shot at redemption.

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Martial has been deployed centrally by Ten Hag so far and — depending on who else United sign or what happens with Ronaldo — he could remain first choice in that position. But why does that suit the 30-cap international better than his alternative role on the left side?

Speaking about Martial three years ago, Mourinho said: "I know Martial likes to play as No. 9 sometimes, I think for the right reasons, sometimes I think for the wrong reasons. But I know he likes to play as a No. 9.

"Of course, [Marcus] Rashford does too but he adapts perfectly on the left side because he has more responsibility and a high work rate, coping with the progression of a possible full-back. So if they do play Martial as a main striker and Rashford on the left, I wouldn't be surprised.

"But at the same time, I wouldn't