Anthony Martial has two games to save his Manchester United career

It is a week that could define the success of Manchester United's season. Three away matches, three huge tests of character. Three opportunities to prove they really are on the right track.

Erik ten Hag insists United are in a 'very good' position considering their injury record this season, but the truth is that the Premier League table flatters a team that has yet to really get going.

Regardless of the injury situation, this is a team lacking an identity, struggling to score goals, letting in a load and who have been burdened by individual error. There doesn't appear to be a quick fix.

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It doesn't look like there will be one, either. Ten Hag is craving consistency in his team selection but he won't have it in the next few matches. United could be without as many as nine players for their trip to Goodison Park this weekend and we know for a fact that they will be without Marcus Rashford for their must-win trip to Turkey.

If it is consistency the manager wants, then he is best sticking with a player who is definitely available for both of the matches. There is an argument to start Anthony Martial in both.

The Frenchman does not necessarily deserve a chance on merit, but neither does Rashford deserve to keep a starting spot instead of him either. Martial has scored as many goals as the England international this season (one) despite playing three times fewer minutes and he has largely had to do his work from the bench rather than from starts.

Martial struggled throughout last season and is clearly not a long-term option, but right now they need a short-term fix and it would be hypocritical not to give