Anthony Martial is running out of chances at Manchester United. The Frenchman failed to impose himself on Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday before being withdrawn in the 64th minute of the Premier League encounter.
United legend Roy Keane was disappointed with the Frenchman's performance, saying afterwards: "I don't think he got a kick, he didn't do too much." Erik ten Hag has been supportive of Martial in public.
Asked about his fitness towards the end of last season, Ten Hag said: "I want him to be [fit] because I think he's a great player - he has definitely the qualities to play in top football - and when he is fit our team play better." Then, when asked if Martial is part of his plans during United's pre-season tour of the US over the summer, Ten Hag said: "We need a good squad and Anthony Martial is a brilliant football player and so he will help us. READ MORE: Gary Neville makes Haaland point about Hojlund after Man United debut "He scored goals and also in other areas of football like pressing, in possession, combinations, he's a great player and, yeah, let's hope he will be fit and he stays fit." After the defeat to Arsenal, Ten Hag continued with his praise of the forward. "I think Anthony Martial, a very good performance, so I was pleased," the United boss said.
But behind the scenes, a different story could, and perhaps very much should, be unfolding. Martial is out of contract at the end of the season and the club must be considering his future.