Gary Neville makes Anthony Martial prediction amid Cristiano Ronaldo's Man United standoff

Manchester United might have to "go back to go forwards" this season and trust Anthony Martial to stand up for wantaway five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Gary Neville.

Martial will remain at Old Trafford this season despite initial suggestions that he could be sold. He grabbed three goals during the pre-season tour and was generally a shining light for Erik ten Hag in attack, despite struggling to make an impact while on loan with Sevilla last season.

As for Ronaldo, meanwhile, he has returned to Old Trafford after expressing a desire to leave. But might United be better off in the short-term by putting their faith in the rejuvenated Frenchman?

READ MORE: Neville gives 'unpalatable' Ronaldo verdict

Speaking on the Overlap, in partnership with Sky Bet, former United captain Neville said: "We all applauded Mikel Arteta for losing [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang. We all supported him on that issue.

"You might have to go back to go forwards. They're going to have to go back to Martial, without Ronaldo, and not have a goal-scorer, which was unthinkable for me.

"He's a talented boy, but he's proven that he's not a centre forward Manchester United need to take them forward in the long term, he's not. But, do we rather have him this season, committed, playing for his future in the game, let alone Manchester United?"

Neville added: " I've not been to a Manchester United game yet [this season], but I was watching all the clips of the goals that were scored on the tour. Some of those goals that you were watching, they're unbelievable goals.

"They're not easy goals to score at anytime this season, let alone pre-season when you've just had a manager who's been there a few weeks. I'm not sure they could