Erik ten Hag feels for Anthony Martial after forward’s latest injury setback

Erik ten Hag feels sorry for Anthony Martial after the improving Manchester United forward was sidelined by his third different injury of the season.

The 26-year-old’s Old Trafford future looked to be over when he joined Sevilla in January for an ultimately underwhelming six-month loan stint.

But Ten Hag’s summer arrival injected new life into Martial’s United career, with the France international starting up front in all four matches during the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

ℹ️ The boss has ruled four first-team Reds out of Thursday night's #UEL fixture.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 12, 2022

A hamstring injury in the final friendly would see him miss the start of the season, before he sustained an Achilles issue and was then forced off with a back complaint in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Everton.

“Not (training) today,” manager Ten Hag said ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against Omonia Nicosia. “We will see how he develops to Sunday (when United play Newcastle).

“I’ve had several talks with him about that (run of injuries). I’m really disappointed for him.

“I think from the quality in all the minutes he played he did very well, also Sunday.

“He played well, good assist for Antony for the first goal, but also in the pressing he was really good.

“I think he was an important factor that played that well in the first half.

“But obviously he fell out and that’s a disappointment for him and for the team as well.”

Put to Ten Hag that Martial’s injuries must be frustrating given how much he planned around him in pre-season, the United boss said: “Of course. I want him in, I want every player to be available.

“Sometimes it’s disappointing when players are not available because I know we need them,