Anthony Martial has a point to prove to his critics after Manchester United refused to consider selling the French striker this summer, says manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Martial was linked with a £50million move to Inter Milan to replace Chelsea’s new signing Romelu Lukaku, but United insisted that he is staying at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old missed the end of last season after sustaining a knee injury on international duty for France in March. It completed a disappointing campaign that saw Martial score just seven goals after being United’s top marksman the previous season with 23.

But Solskjaer has seen a hunger in the player in pre-season and a 45-minute comeback in last week’s friendly against Everton that tells him Martial is ready to show why United dismissed any notion of letting him go.

‘I wouldn’t be surprised if other teams targeted Anthony, he’s a very good player – I have no plans for him to play against us,’ said the United boss.

‘He’s come back strong, hungry and with a determination to prove his fitness and quality because last season was a difficult and disappointing one for him.

‘You can see the bit between his teeth again. He’s up for the challenge. He’s a Man United player and we’re happy we have him. He’s proved the doubters wrong so many times.’

With Marcus Rashford ruled out until October after shoulder surgery, Martial will have a key role to play in the early stages of the season which kicks off against Leeds at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

‘There’s always pressure before every season,’ added Solskjaer. ‘When you finish pre-season, that’s just now one chunk of work done. We have to get a good start. We have expectations. This club is about trophies and playing good football.

‘Hopefully when we get to March, April, May, we’re there or thereabouts. The team is hungry, we’ve done good business and I feel confident going into new season.’