ANTHONY MARTIAL divided opinion like few others in his nine years at Manchester United.
Now he’s transforming the opinions of Greek journalists in just weeks with new club AEK Athens.
Anthony Martial is changing the minds of the Greek media
Martial joined AEK Athens in September after an erratic Man Utd stint
The French striker, 28, has also pulled off an encouraging feat that he last managed for United in 2021.
Yet Martial was seen by many as epitomising the Old Trafford under-achievement since Alex Ferguson‘s glorious reign ended in 2013.
He became the world’s costliest teenager when he joined United from Monaco for £36million – two years after Fergie retired.
But injuries and stuttering form plagued his Red Devils’ career.
AEK took the plunge in September, handing Martial a contract until 2027 on their largest ever wages of £2.9million a year.
And it’s remarkable the way his fortunes have swayed since then – according to the Greek media.
The verdict on Martial’s debut against city rivals PAOK in October typified initial negativity.
He played just 14 minutes as a sub, touching the ball just four times.
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Yet that was enough for one journo to label his appearance “colourless, odourless, and tasteless”.
However, the media also accepted it was too early to assess Martial properly – and called for patience on the “out of form” attacker.
Now he’s played five games in all, providing one goal and an assist.
More importantly, perhaps, he’s stayed on for 90 minutes in two successive matches, which he failed to do for United in the past three years.
Now analysts are highlighting his improvement – and in particular his potential.
A Gazzetta journalist wrote Martial has “presented us with some first samples of his undeniable footballing quality” – although he has yet to “put his foot on the gas”.
Sport 24 went further by claiming the 30-cap star has made “a big difference in the creation part.”
Martial’s attitude has also been praised – with his “body language” and “statements” showing he is “completely satisfied” with his AEK move.
Now it’s down to Martial to ram home his short-term progress with the long-term consistency he lacked at Old Trafford.