Why De Gea and Martial missed the Palace match
David De Gea and Anthony Martial were the unexpected absentees from Manchester United's matchday squad at Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening.
Neither player was mentioned as being ruled out or doubtful during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's pre-match press conference at lunch-time on Tuesday, so it came as a surprise to find their names were missing from the Reds' teamsheet for the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
When asked in his pitchside interviews why De Gea and Martial were absent, the United boss explained:
"With David, it's personal reasons. Anthony got a knock on Monday on his knee, so he’s not ready for this game.
When asked in his pitchside interviews why De Gea and Martial were absent, the United boss explained:
"With David, it's personal reasons. Anthony got a knock on Monday on his knee, so he’s not ready for this game.
"Hopefully he [Anthony] will be okay for the weekend but we’re not sure yet.”
Dean Henderson replaces De Gea in goal against the Eagles, with Lee Grant selected as the back-up goalkeeper on the bench.
Meanwhile, Martial's absence has given another opportunity for Under-23s forward Shola Shoretire to step up and be among the subs.
Dean Henderson replaces De Gea in goal against the Eagles, with Lee Grant selected as the back-up goalkeeper on the bench.
Meanwhile, Martial's absence has given another opportunity for Under-23s forward Shola Shoretire to step up and be among the subs.
Solskjaer had previously confirmed that Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and long-term absentee Phil Jones would all miss the midweek trip to south London, while he described Donny van de Beek as doubtful.
However, the outlook is beginning to look more positive for Pogba, with the manager hopeful his French midfielder will play some part in the games leading up to the international break at the end of this month.
However, the outlook is beginning to look more positive for Pogba, with the manager hopeful his French midfielder will play some part in the games leading up to the international break at the end of this month.
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