Erik ten Hag explains why Anthony Martial starts in Manchester United vs Sevilla fixture

Erik ten Hag has started Manchester United forward Anthony Martial against Sevilla because 'he is ready to play'.

Martial last started against Manchester City on January 14 and Ten Hag has been unable to rely on his fitness this season, with the forward being sidelined for the bulk of the campaign through hamstring, Achilles and back injuries.

However, he's now taken part in full training at Carrington for over four weeks and his recent comeback has been carefully handled, which has given him the opportunity to finally make a start against Sevilla on Thursday night.

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Martial is the joint-third top goalscorer this season - only Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes have more. He scored against Everton at the weekend and he'll be hoping to add to his haul versus Sevilla, especially in the absence of Rashford.

He'll be supported on the wings by Jadon Sancho and Antony in the match, whilst in midfield, Casemiro has also returned to the starting up, with Fernandes and Marcel Sabitzer making up the remainder of the three in the centre.

Ten Hag, speaking to BT Sport, discussed Martial ahead of kick-off and said: "I think he's ready to play. He had three games to come in, we did his rebab really carefully, we planned it, I think he could have started against Everton.

"So now, with Rashford injured, it's logical to play him. Risky [playing Martial]? Have you seen the last five seasons [injuries]? I just hope for him, he stays fit and that he plays some games in a row because he needs that for his confidence.

"When he's on the pitch, he will score, he will link up, do good, but yeah, keep fit and when he's fit, he's massive for us."

Ten Hag was also asked about Fernandes'