Anthony Martial joined Sevilla on loan until the end of last season in January and the switch promised him more game time after a frustrating period with Manchester United. The loan was designed to increase the value of a rapidly depreciating asset.
Martial had only been at Sevilla for just over a month and it had become clear that wasn't going to happen. Martial struggled with injury once again and he was eventually whistled by his own supporters following his return from the sidelines. Martial had only made six appearances for Sevilla and Julen Lopetegui was being asked to comment on the booing of the player - that wasn't in the script.
Lopetegui refused to condemn the whistling and suggested that Martial should 'adapt to what we ask of him' instead. It was perhaps the lowest point of Martial's career. You wouldn't have thought the Frenchman was once the world's most expensive teenager.
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The seven years since Martial arrived in Manchester for an initial £36million have been nothing short of tumultuous. The forward has enjoyed just two good seasons - 2015/16 and 2019/20 - during that period and he has failed to conquer his inconsistency.
Martial was omitted from United's squad against Aston Villa in January and, after claims and counter-claims from Martial and Ralf Rangnick, it was no surprise to see him loaned to Sevilla. It was a fresh start but an opportunity that Martial failed to seize.
The forward contributed one goal and one assist in 12 appearances for Sevilla and the La Liga club had no option to make the deal permanent, although it's unlikely they would have given the option. The loan was intended to generate interest in Martial but it achieved quite the opposite. Martial's performances were poor and it was inevitable that he would return to United.
Martial is among the highest earners at United and there are few clubs that could sign him. The clubs that can afford to sign Martial have hardly been encouraged by his displays, which means United and Martial are stuck with each other for the new season.
Although it has been a dysfunctional marriage, Erik ten Hag is proving to be the counsellor the broken relationship required. Martial's time at the club looked certain to be over, but Ten Hag has admirably provided every player with a clean slate.
Martial was unable to take advantage of his fresh start in Sevilla and he looks determined not to waste another. Martial has started in United's pre-season matches against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace and he's scored in each of those fixtures.
Martial scored United's opener against Palace on Tuesday with an expertly taken finish and his contribution for the second goal was world-class. Martial has looked sharp around the box, his link-up play has been exemplary and he has grown in confidence.
You might want to whisper it quietly, but it's possible that Ten Hag is slowly coaxing Martial back to something like his best. Martial has been given a new lease of life on United's pre-season tour and he looks set to have a role in Ten Hag's plans.
When considering Martial was whistled by Sevilla supporters, that was almost unthinkable in April. Martial deserves credit for having the character to respond to the disappointment of last season and he's clearly keen to take the chance to impress Ten Hag.
Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his desire to leave United this summer and Ten Hag is short of firepower in attack. Martial's unlikely comeback means the situation at the club is slightly less severe, albeit United still desperately need a new centre-forward.
Martial is playing with a smile on his face again and that can only be good news for everyone involved.
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