Erik ten Hag admits Anthony Martial not fit enough to start games for Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that Anthony Martial is not fit enough to start games for the Red Devils, with the gaffer being cautious regarding the striker.
The French national has been in and out of the side for most of the season due to multiple injury issues. Having missed the last few months, the 27-year-old only returned to action in the Old Trafford side’s 2-0 loss to Newcastle United.
Martial also played a part in Man United’s 1-0 win over Brentford. He came on as a substitute in the 71st minute, replacing Jadon Sancho. The former AS Monaco star got more minutes to regain some match fitness.
The Red Devils won 1-0 against the Bees. The West London club visited Old Trafford on Wednesday (5 April) in the Premier League. Marcus Rashford’s goal in the first half sealed the victory for us.
The England international was the one who started in the number nine position versus Thomas Frank’s team. Over the course of the season, the former Ajax head coach has had to mostly rely on the 25-year-old to find the back of the net consistently.
Speaking after the win over Brentford via Metro, Ten Hag was asked whether Martial is fit enough to start games, to which the gaffer responded:
“No, otherwise [he would start]. He was an option but I don’t think in this moment he’s game fit enough to have a start.
“Also it’s prevention. Obviously, when you see Anthony Martial’s record over the last years you have to be really careful to plan it and [even] then still he can be fragile physically.”
Since the start of the campaign, the French national has struggled to stay fit. As a result, the Dutch manager has not been able to have the striker at his disposal on a regular basis.
In January, Man United signed Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley to provide cover for the 27-year-old. However, the Holland international has had to play a pivotal role in the starting lineup in the last few weeks.
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At this point, Martial’s fitness issues have become frustrating. However, hopefully, from now until the end of the season, the Frenchman will be able to contribute to the Red Devils bid to attain a top-four spot.
