A number of faces were pictured back at Carrington on Monday as Erik ten Hag met with his players for the first time in pre-season.
Alejandro Garnacho received plaudits for ending his entitled three-week break early to try and impress his new boss while other fans are excited to see how the returning Donny van de Beek fares under his former manager.
He returns from Everton following a short loan spell. Anthony Martial also arrives home from a temporary stay away at Sevilla.
READ MORE: What Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag did on his first day at Carrington
However, the online reaction to his reappearance was somewhat mixed. Martial himself is said to be keen to go again at United but some fans have not forgotten his stale period at the club before his loan, never mind the fact he had a very underwhelming time at Sevilla.
Unlike the Spanish club’s supporters, the Old Trafford faithful are unlikely to boo Martial, but their patience will be just as short. He faces an important season and must impress Ten Hag from the off if he is to play any role in his plans.
Part of that mission has already been detailed. Sevilla chiefs outlined that the striker was unable to find any consistency in Spain due to his injury problems.
Speaking earlier this month, general manager Jose Maria Cruz de Andres said: “I believe that problem with Martial was when he was starting to adapt to the coach, to his system, he suffered some injuries.
“He was unable to have the continuity that he needed. I believe he was very happy and he thought it was a good opportunity for him. The injuries have been a problem for Martial.”
Sevilla’s president, Jose Castro, also alluded to the issue a month earlier when explaining why the club wouldn’t be taking him on permanently. Perhaps the fact he scored just one goal in 12 games had an impact, too.
But nevertheless, his injury record is worrying. He’s suffered three or more injuries or setbacks in the last four seasons at United.
While a player cannot do much about certain collisions, he or she can be clever about avoiding them. Recognising situations that could lead to yet more injuries - and evading them - is a skill in its own and it will be important for Martial to master that this season.
If he is to make an impression with Ten Hag then Sevilla’s chiefs have highlighted his season aim: to stay off the physio table.
He is already playing second-fiddle to Cristiano Ronaldo and could be pushed behind Marcus Rashford, with the striker possibly playing through the centre in pre-season.
Martial will get the opportunity to showcase his talents this summer and he must take them when offered, or risk being outcast or offloaded.
READ NEXT:
