‘It’s his job…’ Ten Hag explains why £250k-a-week Man Utd man hasn’t been playing

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Manchester United and Anthony Martial are in a strange situation right now, as rumours of his departure are hot, Erik ten Hag has had his say.

Anthony Martial hasn’t played for Manchester United in over a month now, since his shambolic display at Old Trafford against Bournemouth.

His contract expires in June, and there isn’t believed to be any intention of it being extended due to the fact he offers very little for the wage – £250k-a-week – he commands.

But so far in January, there have been reports which suggest United don’t want to wait until June to see the back of him with a transfer to Turkey being touted. Thursday brought news that negotiations over Martial to Super Lig giants Fenerbahce were at a ‘decisive moment’.

That being said nothing is imminent and with Martial not in any squad for over a month there is a real sense of confusion as to what’s wrong with him. Now, Erik ten Hag has revealed all.

Erik ten Hag breaks silence on Anthony Martial

Speaking with the press in his pre-match conference, Ten Hag was asked about Martial’s well-being and if he thought the Frenchman was in effect trying to rule himself out of a sale, which could frustrate fans.

“He’s not fit. So, he’s not okay. We want all the players to be fit and prepared for the game.

“In this moment, he is not. We have to make him fit. It’s his job as well to get ready for the next game, but in this moment he isn’t. He is in medical treatment, and he has to recover.”

This message from the manager is an extremely vague one which doesn’t tell us much about the condition of the No. 9. That however is probably the point.

Ten Hag confirms Martial is in ‘medical treatment’

The only real indicator that Martial’s absence is due to his health is that Ten Hag highlights that the Frenchman is in treatment currently and has to recover.

He also effectively said that Martial right now isn’t doing his job by not being ready for the next game.

It seems Martial’s time at United is coming to an end either this month or in June so hopefully the club can – as Ten Hag so delicately put it – ‘make him fit’ and he can leave on a high note.