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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Sevilla director names big change with Anthony Martial since leaving Manchester United

Sevilla sporting director Monchi believes the key to unlocking Anthony Martial's true potential is by making sure the French forward is happy.

Martial, 26, left Manchester United on loan in the January transfer window after becoming frustrated by a lack of regular playing time at Old Trafford.

Sevilla had been chasing Martial's signature throughout the window and made a breakthrough in negotiations when they agreed to cover the majority of his salary, with the player also taking a pay-cut to make the move happen.

The forward struggled on his debut in a goalless draw away at Osasuna but put in a much improved performance on his home debut last Friday, grabbing an assist in a 2-0 win over Elche.

Sevilla currently sit second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Real Madrid, and know that any successful title bid will likely rely on a big contribution from the on-loan United star.

But to get that contribution, the Spanish club needs to keep Martial happy — and Monchi says he has been encouraged by the early signs so far.

“In these two weeks he’s been here, what I see is happiness,” Monchi told The Times.

“When a player has the technical, tactical, physical qualities, what you have to do is touch the perfect spot for these qualities to reappear.

"And we think we’re capable of finding this spot. Possibly it could mean more affection, more support, more trust; speaking more to him, for his family to feel settled, for him to feel important. There’s not one model for every player – everyone has their needs.”

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