Manchester United forward Anthony Martial could be like a ‘new signing’ upon his return from injury, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The 26-year-old shone in pre-season under the tutelage of new manager Erik ten Hag but has been sidelined with a hamstring and Achilles problem in the opening weeks of 2022/23.

What is the latest news involving Martial?

Martial arrived at United with big expectations on his shoulders back in 2015 after completing a transfer from Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco for a fee that could rise to £58 million.

And the France international initially lived up to the hype, registering 14 goals and four assists in 42 appearances in all competitions throughout his maiden campaign for the Red Devils.

Nevertheless, Martial struggled to build on that success over the next three years until he struck 23 goals and 12 assists in 2019/20, providing hope that he was finally on the verge of fulfilling his potential.

But the versatile star was once again unable to use that standout season as a platform for success and was loaned out to Sevilla in January 2022.

Martial scored just once in 12 appearances for the Rojiblancos, though, and returned to United where he was handed an unexpected opportunity to revive his career at the club by Ten Hag.

What has Sheth said about Martial?

Sheth has informed GiveMeSport that believes that Martial could be like a fresh acquisition for Ten Hag when he eventually makes his comeback to full fitness.

He said: “Remember, a side of Ronaldo, Marcus Rashford can play in the central area, and Anthony Martial, who had such an impressive pre-season, has started the season being injured for most of the games.

“So, I think it's an old cliché, but I'm sure Erik ten Hag will look at him almost as a new signing if and when he returns from injury.”

Where could Martial fit in?

Martial, who earns £250,000-per-week, has only played 45 minutes of football this season, coming on as a half-time substitute in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool, providing an assist and catching the eye with his general play.

The technically gifted ace is comfortable playing on the left-wing and upfront and could provide cover and competition for the likes of Ronaldo, Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

Summer signing Antony is expected to make the right-hand side his own following his £86m switch from Ajax, leaving the other two places in the forward line up for grabs.

With the congested fixture schedule this season, Ten Hag will need plenty of options to call upon, and Martial should get plenty of chances to impress over the coming weeks and months.