Rene Meulensteen has insisted that “everybody could see the potential” of Anthony Martial after the former Manchester United striker signed for a new club.
Anthony Martial was once the world’s most expensive teenage player after Manchester United signed him for an initial fee of £36m from Monaco.
The 28-year-old Frenchman made his debut under former United boss Louis van Gaal and Martial showed moments of brilliance during his time at Old Trafford.
However, Martial was often met with criticism over his lack of consistency and form at Old Trafford, despite impressing with his talent on the pitch.
Martial finally made his exit from United in the summer after his contract with the Red Devils expired at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Meulensteen on ex-Man Utd star Martial
Anthony Martial’s final season at Old Trafford was plagued with injuries, with the former Manchester United striker scoring once in 13 Premier League appearances.
The former Monaco player made 317 appearances for the Red Devils and Martial netted 90 times during his spell at the Premier League club.
Martial spent eight-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford, while the former France international also endured an ill-fated loan spell at Sevilla for six months in 2022.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Rene Meulensteen admitted that Martial showed his talent at times for United, but the French attacker was “never really” consistent.
Meulensteen, who was a first-team coach under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, believes that injuries played a major part in hindering Martial’s full potential.
“I think everybody could see the potential that he has got, that he had, and everybody was constantly asking when is it really coming to fruition,” he said.
“You saw glimpses of it, but there was never really consistency and I think that was the thing that sort of let him down over his time at Manchester United. Plus, he has had a lot of injuries as well.”
Martial begins fresh start post-Man Utd
Martial became a free agent in July and the former France and United striker signed for Super League Greece side AEK Athens in September on a free transfer.
“I’m very happy. AEK was a chance for me and I want to give the best of myself to win trophies and bring joy to the fans,” he said, as per BBC Sport.
Martial previously opened up on his connection to United and claimed that he would “continue to follow the club’s results with passion” after his Old Trafford exit.
“Manchester United will always be in my heart,” he said.
“This club has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you.
“I’m leaving to take on new challenges, I’ll always be a Red Devil and I’ll continue to follow the club’s results with passion.”
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