Seven years have passed since Anthony Martial made his debut for Manchester United against Liverpool with a magnificent solo goal.
Any modern United fan will never forget Martial's captivating run and composed strike into the far corner of the goal, one of the most memorable moments from watching the team over the previous decade of mediocre success.
After all these years, Martial has failed to realize the immense promise that came with his £36 million move from Monaco, but strangely, he has another chance this summer to show that he truly belongs at Old Trafford.
The fact that Martial has now endured seven years at the club as an enigma says a lot about the problems United has. The possibility that he will once again be expected to lead the line against Liverpool next week also says a lot.
The club's first game under Erik ten Hag won't have the same boisterous atmosphere as Anthony Martial's illustrious debut, but it will still be crucial as the new manager looks to start off strong against a team that has contributed to raising the bar recently.
Not a lot can be inferred from the outcome or the display in Bangkok the following week, but the two squads will be fairly scrutinized for how much they have evolved since the prior year.
Since Liverpool's last game, Darwin Nunez has been added to the team after United tried and failed to buy him during the summer transfer window.
However, United only has Tyrell Malacia, a left-back with a promising future but who isn't necessarily anticipated to start in the near future, to show off.
In the absence of star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, the attacking lines for Liverpool and United will likely be led by their respective new £85 million acquisitions from Benfica.
The contrast between Liverpool's optimism for the future with one of the hottest young attackers in world football and United's dejection at starting the new season with a partnership who combined for just seven goals last year is unmatched.
There is a chance that Martial will play a role next season, especially given how difficult it has been for United to find a suitable buyer for the Frenchman. This is especially true given the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo's future.
In defense of the 26-year-old, he has displayed flashes of real world-class skill while at United, and now is the moment for him to step up and be counted when his team most needs him.
For their own advantage, it makes a lot more sense to have a happy Martial than a dissatisfied one the following season, and he ought to be motivated by the possibility to take Ronaldo's place in the future games, giving him another opportunity to disprove his detractors.
This summer, Ten Hag needs his forward line to be more inventive; nevertheless, without his attacking architect at their disposal, martial arts training may be necessary.
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