Forgotten ex-Man Utd star makes debut for new club 10 months after last game

ANTHONY MARTIAL has finally made his AEK Athens debut, ten months after his last appearance for Manchester United.

The Frenchman, 28, left Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer following nine years with the Red Devils.

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Last month he surprisingly signed for Greek side AEK Athens, and was greeted with a hero’s reception by flare-wielding fans.

Martial’s 317th and final Man Utd appearance came in the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last December.

He subsequently missed games with illness, before having to undergo groin surgery in January.

The forward missed AEK’s first three matches following his arrival, as he got up to speed.

On Sunday he was deemed fit enough to be named on the bench by boss Matias Almeyda, for a home tussle with PAOK Salonika.

He was brought on in the 75th minute, but was unable to conjure a winner as the match finished 1-1.

Also in action for AEK was former Tottenham cult hero Erik Lamela, as well as English ex-Championship ace Moses Odubajo.

Martial will hope to make his full AEK debut this Saturday, when his side travel to Panserraikos in another Greek top flight clash.

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Despite leaving United, Martial appears to still be keeping up with goings on at Old Trafford.

In the summer, forward Rasmus Hojlund switched from No11 to the vacant No9 shirt, which had previously been worn by Martial in the 2015-16 season, and again between 2019 and the end of last term.

After netting the winner in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford, Hojlund wrote on Instagram: “Should’ve kept that celebration caption for today.”

In his accompanying image, Hojlund’s No9 was clearly visible as he celebrated his goal.

Martial commented on the post: “RH9”.

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