MAR THE MERRIER
‘He’s found his level’, say fans as ex-Man Utd striker Anthony Martial ends drought with first goal for 339 DAYS
Martial's new club have been careful to build up his fitness
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ANTHONY MARTIAL scored his first goal in 339 days as he opened his account for AEK Athens last night.
The French forward, 28, left Manchester United at the end of last season following nine years at Old Trafford.
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Having spent the summer as a free agent, Martial signed for Greek side AEK Athens last month.
He was given a hero's reception upon his arrival in Greece, with enthusiastic fans greeting him with flares.
Club bosses have carefully built Martial's fitness since his arrival in the Greek capital.
The former Red Devil finally made his debut earlier this month in a 15-minute cameo off the bench against PAOK Salonika.
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He then played 33 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Panserraikos, before being handed his first start in the Greek domestic cup last night.
On the stroke of half-time, Orbelin Pineda sent an inviting cross in the box.
As Aris Salonika failed to clear their lines, Martial managed to prod a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
He was subsequently mobbed by his thrilled team-mates, with supporters chanting his name.
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Martial's goal went on to be the winner in the tie.
One enthusiastic Man Utd fan excitedly posted a video of Martial's goal.
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To which a second mean spiritedly replied: "He found his level."
Although a third gushed: "Martial FC. We back."
And another added: "I flipping love him."
Martial's previous goal had come 339 days earlier, in United's 3-0 win at Everton on November 26, 2023.
It proved to be the last of his 90 goals for Man Utd.
He made just two more Premier League outings before suffering with an illness last December.
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Martial's season was then cruelly cut short as he was forced to undergo groin surgery in January.
The forward was subsequently released upon the end of his contract in June.
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