Erik ten Hag explains why Anthony Martial starts for Manchester United vs Brighton fixture

Erik ten Hag has switched up his Manchester United side to play Brighton for a combination of tactical and rotation reasons.

United defeated a confident Aston Villa side 1-0 at Old Trafford over the weekend, but Ten Hag has made three changes to play Brighton on Thursday night, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred and Anthony Martial coming into the team.

Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Marcel Sabitzer have been moved to the bench to accommodate those changes.

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That means Bruno Fernandes has returned to midfield, with Antony, Martial and Marcus Rashford making up the attack.

Ten Hag explained his changes to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off and said: "Tactically, sure, but also the load. Sunday we have another game. We've already had a lot of games and you want to keep everyone fit, we have some tough weeks coming.

"We have six games to go. We also have a cup final [FA Cup], so yeah, we need to have everybody onboard."

Ten Hag also discussed the team's poor record away from home this season and he admitted United must improve on the road.

"You have to face it, it's the truth," he added. "We know we have to do better. I think it will come and it has to do with personality and character, definitely, but also, it's about the end result. We want to be in the top four and we're there.

“We have a tough game today and we are looking forward to the challenge. We like the challenge, the test. We created many chances [FA Cup semi-final]. I think it was end to end, a really good game for everyone in the stadium. I expect the same.”

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