Man United’s Anthony Martial could be fit to face Newcastle this weekend

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Manchester United striker Anthony Martial could be fit to face Newcastle on Sunday, less than a year after he rejected a move to the Magpies.

The Frenchman is back in the fold at Old Trafford this season. New manager Erik ten Hag has given Martial another chance, after being sent on loan to Sevilla in January.

The 26-year-old was barely featuring under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and needed a move away at the start of the year. He had plenty of options, including the chance to go to St James’ Park.

However, Martial said no. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle made a loan offer for the forward, but he rejected it in favour of a move abroad.

Instead, Martial went to La Liga with Sevilla. But his time in Spain didn’t go well at all. His six-month loan spell ended with just 12 appearances, one goal and one assist.

Now he is back in Manchester, and could feature for the Red Devils this weekend against the club he turned down.

Ten Hag suggests Martial could be fit for Newcastle clash

While he started the year on the lookout for a new club, fast forward to October and Martial is once again part of the Man United squad.

He has suffered with injuries so far this season, but has done well on his return. He scored twice against Manchester City, then scored again in the Europa League last week.

The France international also got an assist in the win over Everton on Sunday, but picked up another fitness problem. Now Ten Hag has provided an update on Martial’s status.

“Not [training] today,” Ten Hag said ahead of Thursday night’s game against Omonia.

“We will see how he develops to Sunday.”

Martial is yet to be ruled out out of Sunday’s game against the Magpies. That means Howe’s side might get the chance to show him exactly what he’s missing. He’ll do well to find a way through one of the Premier League’s meanest defences.

His loan move to Sevilla was shocking, while he could have became a hero at St James’ Park. But instead Martial went elsewhere and flopped.

Now he has got a second chance at Old Trafford. Let’s hope that if he is fit he doesn’t show Newcastle exactly why they wanted to sign him in January.