Ten Hag provides Martial update
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has provided an injury update regarding our currently sidelined forward Anthony Martial.
The 27-year-old last featured for the Reds during our Carabao Cup semi-final second leg victory over Nottingham Forest on 1 February, coming off the bench to open the scoring in our 2-0 success.
Following his 30-minute cameo at Old Trafford, Martial has suffered an injury to his hip that forced the Frenchman to miss the rest of our hectic February schedule.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Emirates FA Cup game against West Ham United, Erik was asked for more detail on where the former Monaco man stands regarding his latest setback.
Part two: Ten Hag’s West Ham press conference
Press conference part two | Erik discusses Anthony Martial's road to recovery, ahead of Wednesday's FA Cup tie...
"I hope but I won't give a prospective [time], or an expectation about that," responded the boss, when asked if Martial could feature before the break for March's upcoming internationals.
"Let him do his work, as several times now, he has been back and he drops back too quickly.
"We [have to] give him the time and I hope he is on board but first, in this moment, we are doing really well in this set-up. When he is available, we will have another option, a good option.
"Let's give him the time and we will see when he is back. Then we will be happy because we have a quality option extra for the rest of the season."
Managing the workload of United's players has been something of a task for Ten Hag as of late, with midfielders Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek ruled out for lengthy periods following their own individual injuries.
Scott McTominay has recently returned to the fold, while forward Antony reappeared against Barcelona to net the winning goal that ensured our progression the last 16 of the Europa League
Asked whether his players can cope with the demands that come with competing on a further three fronts this season, the boss was bullish in his answer, as is usually the case.
Ten Hag's bullish message to the squad
Article“The players who form the best teams will play,” says the boss before another hectic month of fixtures.
"I think so because we have managed it [up until] now quite good,'' said Ten Hag.
"We can do it also until the end of the season, I am happy. Except Anthony Martial, the availability from all the players is there."
Asked if either Marcus Rashford or Bruno Fernandes need a rest due to their regular involvement, Erik added: "No, he [Marcus] is fit."
"Bruno has [played a lot of football], but he likes to play. He doesn't want to miss anything.''