Ten Hag: Martial set to return at Newcastle

The France international forward has not appeared for the Reds since the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Nottingham Forest in early February.

Martial has been managing a hip problem in the meantime, but he has been working hard in training during the international break and Ten Hag hopes he can be among the players who travel to the north-east for what is an important fixture in the race for the top four.

The Magpies are three points behind the Reds in the league table but will overtake us with victory, as they have a superior goal difference.

“He is training. So, for two weeks now,” Ten Hag told reporters at Carrington on Friday.

“I think he can be in the squad for Sunday.”

Martial has made 14 first-team appearances in all competitions this season, scoring six goals and registering two assists.

The 27-year-old's impact on Ten Hag's side has been evident to see when he's been on the pitch, although his season has been blighted by injury, with a run of eight consecutive games either side of the World Cup accounting for the bulk of his minutes.

When Erik was asked whether United could cope with this scenario going forward, he preferred to focus on the here and now of getting players back in contention for what will be a busy final two months of the campaign.

“What I said previously, I work in the [background] on next season but we're working now on this season,” Erik added.

“First of all, [we need to] make sure everyone is available, so everyone is fit and then keep improving the way of play. That gives the best chance that we will score more goals.”

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