Three reasons Anthony Martial could have surprise role v Leicester City

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All eyes will be on Marcus Rashford when Manchester United’s season resumes on Saturday.

The England star is fit again and in contention to feature. But be warned, selection decisions are not always straightforward.

Don’t be at all surprised if it is Anthony Martial lining up on the left instead of the much anticipated Rashford comeback when Manchester United’s XI is named at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Here is a look at three reasons why it might just be Martial who starts…

Reward for goal

Martial started Manchester United’s last game and did what was asked of him, scoring the opener against Everton.

In that game Martial was substituted after an hour with a knock, but it did not keep him out of the French international squad.

Martial did not play for France during the break and is fresh, and Solskjaer may look for him to try and carry on where he left off.

Players need consistency and consecutive club starts could be what Martial needs to get back on track.

Eases in Rashford

Manchester United’s game with Leicester is not the only one coming up. United face Atalanta in the Champions League at Old Trafford days later.

Rashford may be fit, but is he fit enough to start two games in five days?

A better solution may be to ease Rashford in, starting Martial against Leicester, and bringing the England international off the bench.

Rashford would then start for United against Atalanta, and then potentially against Liverpool days later.

Dangerous vs Leicester before

Anthony Martial has caused Leicester problems previously, notably in the 2020 end of season clash at the King Power.

Martial won the penalty which swung the game to help United seal a top four spot at Leicester’s expense.

In nine matches against Leicester, Martial has only been on the losing side against Leicester once.

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