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      Man City announce £12.5m ‘new Messi’ arrival 24 days AFTER transfer window closed following £182m spending spree

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      MANCHESTER CITY have announced the signing of wonderkid Claudio Echeverri.The 19-year-old joined the club from River Plate last January in a £12.5million deal but remained on loan in his homeland of Argentina until last month.Claudio Echeverri has joined up with the City squad after his spell at River Plate endedCredit: AFPEcheverri, who has been dubbed as the “new Lionel Messi”, has now finally been unveiled after arriving in Manchester to join up with the City squad for the rest of the season.The attacking midfielder is eligible to make his debut in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Plymouth on Saturday.Echeverri revealed he spoke to former City stars and compatriots Sergio Aguero and Martin Demichelis ahead of his move to England.He said: “They told me it was a great club with amazing players and a beautiful history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I knew about it [the relationship between Argentina and City]. Aguero, in particular, stands out.”He’s a legend here at City because of everything he achieved and the incredible player he was.”I used to watch him play and, honestly, it’s an amazing feeling to be here.”City chief Txiki Begiristain added: “Claudio is one of the finest talents to emerge from South America in recent years.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“We knew as soon as we watched him play we wanted him to become a Manchester City player.  “All the natural elements are there – his touch, technique, eye for goal and dribbling ability. Our job now is to take those attributes and shape Claudio into a world-class player.”Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss Echeverri captained and scored six goals for Argentina at the Under-20 South American Championship after finding the back of the net four times for River Plate last season.He is the latest youngster through the door at the Etihad following a £182m splurge in January to freshen Pep Guardiola’s squad.City spent a reported £60m on Omar Marmoush, £50m on Nico Gonzalez, £33m on Abdukodir Khusanon and £30m on Vitor Reis. More

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      Man City set sights on Newcastle star Tino Livramento to replace Kyle Walker as summer transfer plans revealed

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      MANCHESTER CITY have set their sights on Newcastle star Tino Livramento, according to reports.The defender is viewed as a potential replacement for veteran Kyle Walker.Tino Livramento is reportedly wanted by Manchester CityCredit: RexHe could be the replacement for Kyle WalkerCredit: GettyWalker’s future at the Etihad appears to be over following his loan exit in January.The 34-year-old left Manchester City for AC Milan on a deal until the end of the season.The Telegraph has claimed that Livramento is being monitored by Pep Guardiola’s side.The former Southampton ace has excelled since his arrival at St James’ Park in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined Newcastle on a five-year contract in a transfer worth £32million.Livramento, 22, has since made 50 appearances for the Magpies in the Premier League.He even earned his first international cap for England in the 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in November.Livramento overcame a horror ACL injury that he suffered against Brighton in 2022.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe report has also suggested that Livramento is not the only full-back target.It is claimed that Man City are also considering a move for Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso.Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’ Andrea Cambiaso is also under consideration by Man CityCredit: GettyCambiaso, 25, joined the Old Lady in 2022 but spent his first season out on loan at Bologna.He has since established himself in Turin and has earned 13 caps for Italy since March 2024.Man City are also said to be interested in adding a new No8 to the squad.The incoming star would be a replacement for veteran llkay Gundogan.The German, 34, is on course to trigger a one-year extension to his contract.He has struggled to show his previous form since he returned to the club from Barcelona.The midfielder has recently received interest from Galatasaray with the Turkish club willing to offer him a two-year deal.Manchester City squad agesHere is a look at the ages in Manchester City’s squad…Goalkeepers: Ederson, 31Stefan Ortega, 32Scott Carson, 39Defenders: Ruben Dias, 27Manuel Akanji, 29Nathan Ake, 30John Stones, 30Vitor Ries, 19Abdukodri Khsanov, 20Jahmai Simpson-Pursey, 19Josko Gvardiol, 23Rico Lewis, 20Kyle Walker, 34 – On loan at AC MilanMidfielders: Rodri, 28Matheus Nunes, 26Mateo Kovacic, 30Nico Gonzalez, 23Ilkay Gundogan, 34Bernardo Silva, 30Kevin de Bruyne, 33Claudio Echeverri, 19James McAtee, 22Attackers:Jeremy Doku, 22Jack Grealish, 29Phil Foden, 24Savinho, 20Oscar Bobb, 21Erling Haaland, 24Omar Marmoush, 26Average age: 26.6 More

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      Man Utd should give Paul Pogba THIRD chance – he’s better than anything else they’ve got, claims Treble winner

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      MANCHESTER United should give Paul Pogba a THIRD chance because he’s still better than any of their current midfielders, claims Old Trafford legend Dwight Yorke.And Treble-winning hero Yorke reckons United are not safe yet from relegation and need all the help they can get.Paul Pogba is a free agent after leaving JuventusCredit: ReutersPogba has already had two spells at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFPThe Red Devils midfield has underperformed this seasonCredit: GettyDwight Yorke believes the Red Devils should hand the midfielder another chanceCredit: EPAPogba, 31, is available on a free transfer after serving a doping ban and Yorke believes United should take a punt on the former France international.Yorke said: “I would give Paul Pogba a third chance, definitely, because of what United currently have and because of what we know he is capable of producing.“United have struggled, and Pogba is a damn good player.“Even though he’s 31, I think he’s far better than what we have now. And if you’re going to get a player for free, who’s far better than all our players in midfield, then you do it.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“With two months left, I would say, ‘Let’s have a look’. Give him a contract.“You’ve got time here to prove yourself. You can come and play and help us out with the situation.“I’m sure Pogba would be very keen. Maybe he might want a long-term deal because of the security.”United’s penny-pinching bosses would balk at a mega-money deal for former Old Trafford star Pogba, who twice left Old Trafford for Juventus.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut beleaguered boss Ruben Amorim is floundering after a comeback draw at Everton left his team deep in the bottom half of the table.Yorke is refusing to rule out United being relegated and delivered a withering verdict on Amorim and his underperforming players in an interview with casinobeats.com.’I take responsibility but…’ – Paul Pogba breaks silence as ex-Man Utd star gives first interview since doping banAnd the former Trinidad and Tobago international contrasted Amorim’s struggles since arriving at Old Trafford in November with the immediate impact that former United boss David Moyes made on his return to Everton.Ruben Amorim has lost nine of his 22 games at the clubCredit: GettyMan Utd ratings vs EvertonMANCHESTER UNITED fought back from two goals down to draw against Everton at Goodison ParkThe Red Devils were slammed as “embarrassing” by Rio Ferdinand after failing 2-0 down in the first half.But they fought back late on thanks to a stunning Bruno Fernandes free-kick and volley from Manuel Ugarte, who bagged his first goal since his summer arrival from PSG.Amorim’s men were then lucky to escape a penalty in the final moments after VAR overturned the decision.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence has given his ratings of the Manchester United team…Andre Onana – 7United needed him with his game-head on, and his 93rd-minute stop saved a point.Noussair Mazraoui 69′ – 4Looked seriously uncomfortable on the right side of the back three – forced there because of a defensive injury crisisHarry Maguire – 4Out-jumped by Doucoure as the midfielder grabbed Everton’s second and was generally all over the place.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Nowhere for Beto’s opener, completely missing attempted clearance and got away with a 93rd-minute penalty call.Diogo Dalot – 5At least shows willing. Which is more than could be said for some of his team mates at Goodison.Manuel Ugarte – 7Spent most of the game stranded in United’s midfield morass but salvation came with a brilliant strike.Casemiro 62′ – 2The Brazilian is beginning to look like the world’s oldest 32-year-old —he’s become a genuine irrelevance.Patrick Dorgu – 6Made a determined start down the left flank but that enthusiasm was slowly but surely sucked out of him.Bruno Fernandes – 8His free kick was genuine class and once he was dropped deeper started controlling the game.Joshua Zirkzee – 4At £36.5M you would expect an element of ball control but the Dutchman used as a joint No 10 just looks lost.Rasmus Hojlund 69′ – 3Not so much a desperate Dane, more a despairing one although it would help if he had some support.Subs:Alejandro Garnacho 62′ – 7Injected some desperately needed pace and passion. Leny Yoro 69′ – 6Should have been on much earlier.Chido Obi-Martin 69′ – 5The 17-year-old has a presence for sure.Yorke said: “We’re in 15th place. People still think that we are safe. I am not so sure.“There’s still a long way. And the more games you are losing, the harder it gets.“Amorim is in a difficult place right now. He needs to find a way out.“I do believe that despite the challenges of where United are, as a manager, you’ve got to stabilize the club.“How could David Moyes go to a team that was struggling more than United and suddenly turn that around?“Moyes has done well at Everton but certainly we’ve got better players at United. Somehow, he’s managed to turn it around while we continue to struggle.”“I’m not saying that Amorim’s not a good manager. We’re not asking you to beat Liverpool, we’re not asking you to beat Arsenal.“All we’re saying is, just win some football matches against teams that you should be beating.READ MORE SUN STORIES“And if you’re not going to win against the big boys, and you’re not going to start winning against the small boys, when are you going to start?”To read the full Dwight Yorke interview, go to https://casinobeats.com/dwight-yorke-interview/ More

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      Brazil icon’s 18-year-old son making his own way in football as he seals transfer to European club

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      BRAZIL icon Adriano’s 18-year-old son is making his own way in football after sealing a transfer to a European club.Adriano Carvalho is still in his teens but is now looking to cement his status as a potential superstar.Adriano Carvalho has signed for Portuguese club Academica de CoimbraCredit: X @serranofc_rjHe is the son of football icon AdrianoCredit: GettyThe youngster has been playing for Serrano in his native Brazil since 2022.But now he has penned a deal taking him to Portugal.Adriano Carvalho has signed a contract with Academica de Coimbra.They play in the third tier of Portuguese football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he is now hoping to emulate his dad’s success in Europe.Adriano, 43, was considered to be the next big thing when he burst onto the scene with Flamengo in 2000.After spells at Inter Milan and Fiorentina, he banged in 23 goals in just 18 months for Parma before rejoining Inter in 2004.Adriano ended up scoring 83 goals in six years at the San Siro, while also winning three titles and two Italian Cups.Most read in FootballBut fitness issues and the death of his father sparked a sharp decline in performances as Adriano’s star faded quickly while goals dried up.The latter stages of his career took the striker to Sao Paulo, Flamengo, Roma, Corinthians, Atletico Paranaense and finally Miami United.Brazil legend Adriano seen partying in the street with no shoes on weeks before returning to play one last match at 42Adriano was one of the world’s most feared strikers at Inter MilanCredit: GettyHe also enjoyed success with BrazilCredit: GettyAdriano, who retired in 2016, also played 48 times for Brazil. He netted 27 goals for his country while winning the Copa America in 2004.Adriano admits he has been living a party lifestyle ever since and described himself as “football’s biggest waste” in November.He said: “Do you know what it feels like to be a promise? I know. “Including an unfulfilled promise. Football’s biggest waste: Me. “I like that word, waste. Not only because of how it sounds, but because I’m obsessed with wasting my life.”I’m fine like this, in frantic waste. I enjoy this stigma.”Adriano’s career statsFlamengo, 2000-2001: 59 games, 16 goalsInter Milan, 2001: 14 games, 1 goalFiorentina (loan), 2002: 15 games, 6 goalsParma, 2002-2004: 44 games, 26 goalsInter Milan, 2004-2009: 163 games, 73 goalsSao Paulo (loan), 2008: 29 games, 17 goalsFlamengo, 2009-2010: 51 games, 34 goalsRoma, 2010: 8 games, 0 goalsCorinthians, 2011-2012: 7 games, 2 goalsAtletico Paranaense, 2014: 4 games, 1 goalMiami United, 2016: 1 game, 1 goalBrazil, 2000-2010: 48 games, 27 goalsTrophiesFlamengo: Serie A, Campenoato CariocaInter Milan: Serie A x3, Coppa Italia x2, Italian Supercup x3Corinthians: Serie ABrazil: U17 World Cup, South American Youth Championship, Copa America, Confederations Cup More

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      Forgotten former £17million Arsenal striker joins PSV on free transfer just weeks before Champions League tie

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      EX-ARSENAL ace Lucas Perez has made the 14th transfer of his career to the 12th different club after signing for PSV Eindhoven.The 36-year-old sealed a free transfer to the Eredivisie giants just weeks before the two sides face off in the last-16 of the Champions League.Lucas Perez has sealed the 14th transfer of his career by signing for PSVIt comes weeks before Arsenal are due to play the Dutch club, though he cannot be registered to face his old clubCredit: PA:Empics SportHe has signed for PSV after unexpectedly terminating his contract at Deportivo La Coruna in JanuaryCredit: GettyArsenal secured their passage after finishing in the top eight of the new league phase of the competition, while PSV stunned Juventus with a 4-3 aggregate victory in the knockout play-offs.The first leg of the clash will be played in the Netherlands on March 4, with the Emirates playing host to the second leg on March 12.And just weeks before the tie the Dutch club have brought in a familiar face for Arsenal fans.However, Perez will not be eligible to play against the Gunners due to the registration date for the competition passing on February 6.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPerez had been a free agent after unexpectedly ripping up his Deportivo La Coruna contract in January for personal reasons.The Spanish striker has now signed a short-term contract to the end of the season to sign with PSV, where he will wear the No.27 shirt.In a statement, he said: “I can’t wait to show myself to the fans and my new team-mates. “I am very ambitious and am looking forward to delivering many goals and assists. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”My first impression of the club is very good, I get energy from the people I have already met.”PSV were on top of it right away and did everything they could to bring me to Eindhoven.‘Second again, ole ole’ – Brutal West Ham fans taunt Arsenal with three cheeky chants after stunning the Emirates”That did me a lot of good. Unfortunately, it took a bit longer than planned before a final agreement was reached, due to personal reasons on my part. “I found a solution for that and I am very grateful for the fact that the PSV management remained so patient.”He will join the team’s training group on Monday to work under Peter Bosz.The veteran added: “I am extremely driven to help this club achieve its other objectives, including winning the national title and national cup.””I have worked very hard in recent weeks, both on and off the field. I am more than ready to prove myself here.”Perez originally joined Arsenal in 2016 in a £17million transfer from Deportivo.But he never managed to truly settle in North London despite having a solid record when playing, with seven goals and five assists in 21 games in all competitions.Arsenal loaned Perez back to his hometown club, Deportivo in August 2017 before they sold him to West Ham the following summer.He scored six goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers before they sold him a summer later to Spanish side Alaves.Perez then bounced around from Elche to Cadiz and back to Deportivo for the fourth time in his career.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall he has scored 62 goals and added 53 assists in 172 games for the Spanish side.His other clubs include Atletico Madrid C, Rayo Vallecano B, Rayo Vallecano, Karpaty Lviv, Dynamo Kyiv (where he never made an appearance), and PAOK Saloniki before signing for Deportivo.Perez also played for West Ham during his time in EnglandCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

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      All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know with England pair set to switch Premier League clubs

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      ALAN NIXON is Sunsport’s Boss of Goss. Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks set to move on from Southampton in the summerCredit: AlamySAINT EASY SOUTHAMPTON pair Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale are in line for Premier League rescue moves.England cap Harwood-Bellis is fancied by West Ham and could escape from the drop at the end of this season as Saints head back to the Championship.The centre-half, 23, has just changed agent and will be up for a move after signing from Manchester City last year.Classy Harwood-Bellis would cost about £15million and the Hammers are in the market for new faces at the back. Three Lions keeper Ramsdale, 26,  is another who should beat Saints’  slide into the second tier – with his former club Bournemouth on alert.Rambo impressed at Cherries and Sheffield United before his surprise move to Arsenal in 2021.He jumped at a switch to Saints to play but will not fancy the Championship.Bournemouth have goalkeeper Kepa, 30, on loan from Chelsea but should be in the market for a new No 1 and Ramsdale still has fans within the club.ANFIELD ROADLewis Koumas is being eyed by Crystal Palace for a summer swoopCredit: AlamyLIVERPOOL babe Lewis Koumas has joined fellow Red Ben Doak on  Crystal Palace’s wanted list.The Eagles are looking at a handful of new faces in a busy summer and Welsh international Koumas, 19, is on their radar.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKoumas, currently impressing on loan at Stoke, could be ready for the step up to the Premier League next season.Palace are already jostling with Bournemouth for Scottish winger Doak, also 19, and considering a big offer for him.But Koumas could also be brought in after catching the eye in the second tier. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endNEY BOTHERWATFORD head the race to sign young Colombian strike sensation Neyser Villarreal.The Hornets hope to agree a £5million deal with the 19-year-old’s club Millionarios.Villarreal shone for his country in the recent Under- 20 championship in South America, scoring a hat-trick against Paraguay.Watford want to move quickly as Palmeiras are also tracking him.MARC’D MANMarcus Edwards is a summer target for Sunderland – if they reach the PremCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are watching how Marcus Edwards does at Burnley – in case they have a second stab at signing him.The winger, 26, joined the Clarets on loan from Sporting Lisbon in the January window but they only just beat the Black Cats to his signature.But if Sunderland make the Premier League and Burnley fail, they will be back in again.WHICH Championship manager is fuming with his director of football after hearing he had been bidding for players the boss knew nothing about?The experienced coach was stunned to discover some of the targets the club had in the last window.Most were ones he had never been consulted on and fortunately did not sign — but the damage is done between the manager and transfer guru.IN DEMANDInigo Perez is being eyed by Premier League clubsCredit: GettyINIGO PEREZ, the talk of Spain, is ready to come to England at the second attempt.The Rayo Vallecano coach, 37, has been superb this season — and Prem clubs are watching.Perez missed out on a move to Bournemouth because of post-Brexit rules which stopped him from joining boss Andoni Iraola.Now he is a coach in his own right and would qualify.HARD PRESTTHE FA will face a chunky bill for fitting new VAR cameras at Preston’s fifth-round tie against Burnley on Saturday.North End – bossed by Paul Heckingbottom – have never used the system so the FA must find a way of installing all of the tech needed.ROVERS RETURNBLACKBURN are after a new gaffer  — but their pay deal is putting many off.Rovers are offering about £600,000-per-year plus bonuses but it is not attracting targets like Steve Cooper and Gary O’Neil.There is a potential promotion jackpot too but the deal is not attractive to some, even if they are out of work.Meanwhile, Blackburn technical director Adam Owen, 44,  has been taking a bigger part in team affairs behind the scenes.Owen will work closely with the next coach and that boosts interim David Lowe’s chances of staying in charge. More

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      Newcastle plotting to bring back former youth star who left in 2013 but is now shining at Premier League rivals

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      NEWCASTLE chief Eddie Howe is plotting to bring Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier back to Tyneside.Tavernier and his brother James, 33 – now captain of Rangers – grew up in the North East and played in Toon’s youth ranks.Eddie Howe is eyeing a summer swoop for former Toon youth player Marcus TavernierCredit: RexThe 25-year-old was formerly on the books at NewcastleCredit: GettyBut the winger, 25, joined Middlesbrough as a schoolkid and went on to earn a £10million move to Bournemouth in 2022.The Cherries have him under contract until 2028 and are under no pressure to sell.However, bids north of £25m could tempt them this summer. Tavernier has been a consistent performer on the South Coast for the past three seasons. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he has helped propel Bournemouth into unlikely Champions League chasers. Tavernier has two goals across 19 league games, along with a career-high five assists. Celtic’s German star Nicolas Kuhn and PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko are other names Howe will be interested in this summer.Newcastle host high-flying Nottingham Forest on Sunday knowing victory will send them fifth. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Howe is keen for his side to chase down Nuno Santo’s men – and bring Champions League football back to St James Park. Howe said: “The challenge for us, the coaching staff and players, is to finish as high as we can in the league. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Our target should be what is immediately ahead of us and above us.”We have to try and chase down teams like Nottingham Forest. It is a small target of points. “It is not impossible for us to achieve it.“The game we have coming up is potentially a big moment in that. “If we let our immediate opposition slip away from us, then it becomes very difficult to make that gap up. “They are important games coming up in the next few weeks.” More

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      ‘He felt a lack of trust’ – Inside Anthony Martial’s amazing revival after Ronaldo’s Man Utd return broke his confidence

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      IT was back in 2015 when Manchester United thought they had found the “next Thierry Henry”, a player who could follow in the footsteps of legends like Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney and George Best.United broke the bank to sign the then 19-year-old Anthony Martial from Monaco in a £36million deal, which included an extra £21.6m in add on clauses.Anthony Martial is experiencing a career revival after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMartial left Man Utd in June as a free agent following nine turbulent yearsCredit: EPAMartial enjoyed a stunning Man Utd debut against Liverpool in 2015Credit: PA:Press AssociationThat one of those included an extra payment should he win the Ballon d’Or showed their optimism – it also made him the world’s most expensive teenager at that time.A memorable debut followed that September as Martial led Man Utd to a 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Liverpool in front of the Old Trafford faithful. He scored an absolute stunner that was eerily similar to the kind of strikes scored by the Arsenal legend he was compared to.But that bright start was not a sign of things to follow.During nine years with the Red Devils Martial amassed a disappointing 90 goals and 46 assists in 317 appearances, with only an FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League medal to show for it.The man many thought was destined to be a Man United legend ended up leaving as a free agent under a cloud last June.Many expected that, at the age of 29, he’d seek one last big paycheck in Saudi Arabia but the Frenchman shocked the world when he opted for Greece and AEK Athens, who handed him a three-year contract worth a club record €10m (£8.3m).It’s true that Martial gave up elite football for a Greek club that couldn’t even make it past the Conference League qualifiers. But in its place he found something he often lacked at Old Trafford: Absolute trust.An AEK club source told SunSport: “He felt trust from the beginning, he received a place in the starting line-up early. He’s been supported by the manager and the club. He received patience. We believe the main reason (for his revival) is that he received time on the pitch, match rhythm and momentum. This is still a developing project.”Martial arrived as a teenager from MonacoCredit: AP:Associated PressMartial’s confidence was broken after the arrival of other forwards, like Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersFollowing his own big-money arrival at Manchester United, the club went on to splash the cash on other forwards like Rasmus Hojlund (£72m), Jadon Sancho (£73m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m) and Antony (£85.5m).The return of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021 condemned him to the bottom of the pecking order behind the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.Forgotten ex-Man Utd star Anthony Martial finally makes debut for new club 10 months after last playing competitive match The return of CR7 left his confidence shattered just a year after his best ever season in which he scored 23 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances.The AEK source continued: “This guy came, that guy was signed [and] Ronaldo returned during Martial’s sporadic opportunities. During his limited opportunities [Martial] was facing immense pressure to prove himself and that led to injury problems.”Martial’s time with United was marred by injury as he suffered a raft of knee, hamstring, muscle, Achilles, hip and groin problems. But his new club feel that issue was down to his lack of minutes and momentum that led to a shortness of match fitness and increased pressure to deliver.AEK took the gamble of signing Martial after speaking to several of the forward’s former United team-mates who always knew his true value. They insisted that he would deliver in Greece if he just had the manager’s confidence and played on a regular basis – something he struggled with at Old Trafford.The source explained: “Based on our research and talks with other Man Utd players, his basic problem is that he felt a lack of trust. His confidence was damaged once he realised he would struggle to find regular minutes. “One of them told us, ‘Don’t worry at all, once he plays and finds regular minutes he will immediately deliver. He’s a fantastic guy and works very hard in training’.”In the club’s opinion, his injuries occurred because his last few appearances were very sporadic. And that affected him, it made him more prone to knocks during the small amount of time he was given. It was basically down to his limited match rhythm.”We haven’t noticed anything of concern. There’s no concern regarding his training and there is nothing he needs to avoid during training. He trains properly and follows the programme just like everyone else.”His metrics were perfectly fine, as was his medical. And he became match fit very quickly. He trains normally despite the demanding programme and game style. He has no issue so far.”Martial has been enjoying a career revival at AEKCredit: GettyMartial’s AEK debut during a 1-1 home draw against rivals PAOK in October was a lot less eventful than the one he had nine years previously.But the ex-France international has gone from strength to strength since with a total of nine goals and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions so far – and no injuries to report.AEK manager Matias Almeyda is so confident of his ability that the general consensus is that he has yet to reach his full potential.The source added: “The fact he gets regular minutes plays a major role, and I believe there was a mentality issue. Injuries can be associated with a player’s frame of mind. It’s tough for a player to manage the very little amount of time they get on the pitch.”He basically realised the new environment was good. He felt well mentally, he adjusted quickly and that generally benefited him. He was certainly careful at the start on the pitch, he understood he had to manage himself.”His development is ongoing, he has yet to reach his full potential. But he is drastically improving, he runs faster, his pressing increases.”Martial has two children from previous relationshipsCredit: Instagram @martial_9Martial celebrated his birthday in DecemberCredit: Instagram @martial_9He shared a picture on his special day with a woman who is understood to be his current girlfriendCredit: Instagram @martial_9Love of the fansMartial’s immediate contribution has won over AEK’s demanding fanbase and went viral in a video that showed him joining a group of diehards, who greeted the team upon their return from Crete after he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over OFI, and sang along with them.The ex-Monaco star quickly found a new home in Greece, so much so that he spends most of his free time at his swanky house despite all the temptations that come with the Greek sun, nightlife and cuisine which have seduced many football stars throughout the years.Martial, who split from wife Melanie Da Cruz in 2022, is understood to be in a new relationship.He has two children.The source concluded: “He’s very happy, he has a very quiet lifestyle. He prefers to spend most of his down time at home. We never heard about seeing Martial here or there…”He’s very excited every time he interacts with the fans. There’s a notable moment when we returned from Crete after a match with OFI. All those who knew him claimed that was a very new experience for him.” More