Aheed Abrar
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag unsure when Anthony Martial will be back from injury
Erik ten Hag is unsure when Anthony Martial will be able to return to action for Manchester United after picking up an injury before the opening game of the 2022/23 season. Christian Eriksen started in the false nine position against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Red Devils ended up losing 2-1 against the Seagulls. Cristiano Ronaldo started on the bench. The Portuguese didn’t train much under Ten Hag during pre-season.
Under the circumstances, having a recognised striker like Martial in the squad is important. But unfortunately, the Frenchman was unavailable. And speaking to BBC Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News), Ten Hag revealed he was unaware of how long the 26-year-old would be on the sidelines.
“It’s difficult to say [how long]. With his injury we have to wait until tomorrow for how we will progress, but we have one week [until the next game].”
Martial was anonymous for United in the previous campaign. The Frenchman rarely got an opportunity on the pitch in a red shirt. The former AS Monaco forward opted for a loan move to Sevilla. His time in Spain was nothing special either.
But during pre-season under Ten Hag, Martial has looked like a different player. The 26-year-old has been rejuvenated. The Frenchman scored goals for the Red Devils during the Asia and Australia tour.
The injury just before the opening game was a blow for the Dutch manager, who had to change his game plan. Eriksen played out of position. As a result, we were unable to get in behind the Brighton defence.
Another debutant for United, Lisandro Marinez, started alongside captain Harry Maguire. But it turned out to be a nightmare start to the new season for Ten Hag and United fans.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho didn’t have the best of games. Ronaldo came on early in the second half. But the Seagulls managed to hold onto their lead after conceding a scrappy own-goal.
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It remains to be seen for how long Martial will be out. Hopefully, the Frenchman comes back soon, with Brentford and Liverpool up next for United in the Premier League.
