Erik ten Hag says Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is not fit enough to start games yet.
Anthony Martial was left on the bench against Brentford last night, despite Wout Weghorst being omitted from the line-up.
Martial was the preferred player of the two to come off the bench in the second half, with Manchester United doing enough to win the game 1-0.
But when it came to actually starting him, Erik ten Hag feels it was just too risky last night.
Ten Hag on Martial
Erik ten Hag has seen Anthony Martial suffer numerous setbacks with injuries this season, which has been frustrating, as he has shown quality by chipping in with goals when he has been available.
Martial still has three times as many goals as Wout Weghorst, despite playing fewer minutes.
Quoted by Goal following Manchester United’s win, Ten Hag clarified why Martial was not in his starting line-up.
He said: “He was an option but I don’t think in this moment he is game fit enough to have a start. And there is also prevention.
Obviously, when you see Anthony Martial’s record over the last years, you have to be really careful to plan it.
“So I don’t want to take that risk because I know when he is on the pitch he has a great impact on our performance.”
Ten Hag is playing the long game. He knows there are some huge games upcoming, including a FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, and potentially two finals at the end of the season.
One wrong move now, and Martial’s season could be over. It’s that dicey.
Last night, Ten Hag left Weghorst out, and went with Marcus Rashford leading the line, supported by Marcel Sabitzer in an advanced role.
It was an experiment which worked out, with Sabitzer assisting Rashford’s winner.
Anthony Martial will wait another day for his first start since January. Erik ten Hag was right to be patient.
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