Ten Hag's verdict on hot again Martial’s future

FOOTBALL Ten Hag's verdict on hot again Martial’s future

Kiplagat Sang • 16:00 - 16.04.2023

The forward has had to deal with injuries and doubts surrounding his future.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed his stance in regard to Anthony Martial’s future.

The French forward recently recovered from an injury and has been available for Ten Hag in the previous matches.

Against Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final, he had a hand in both of Marcel Sabitzer's goals and produced a stylish display.

Questions have always been asked regarding Martial’s future at the club, and the manager has affirmed his wish that he will be at Old Trafford next season.

"From my point of view, yeah," Ten Hag said when he was asked about Martial’s future.

"It's difficult to say because the history [with injuries] says different. I want him to be because I think he's a great player - he has definitely the qualities to play in top football - and when he is fit our team play better."

Martial has been unavailable for 27 games owing to separate injury issues.

Since he joined United in the summer of 2015, he has missed 77 games through a variety of injury cases.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has called on available players to grab starting opportunities that will present themselves owing to the injury crisis at Old Trafford.

"When players drop out, others have to step in and therefore you have a squad," he added. "It's not always easy to not always be a starter, but when your time's coming, you have to show it.

"And you have to show the demands of a big club like Manchester United if you want to be here.

"Other players will now get their opportunities, and they have to take them and they have to contribute to the team, and make the season a success."

With a squad missing key players like Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw, Ten Hag will lead United against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.