Erik ten Hag has told Anthony Martial three things he needs from Manchester United striker vs Everton

Anthony Martial could be handed a rare start at Everton on Sunday and Erik ten Hag has already given his striker clarity on what he needs in that role.

Manchester United's first-choice striker Rasmus Hojlund is a doubt for the trip to Goodison Park after suffering a muscular issue against Luton Town a fortnight ago. The 20-year-old withdrew from international duty but this weekend's clash may come a touch too soon.

Ten Hag admitted on Thursday evening that Hojlund will be assessed as late as possible, but his admission that "hopefully, next week, he will return to the squad" suggests United will play it safe. Martial has not started a Premier League game since September's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, often replacing his Danish teammate in the dying minutes.

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But the absence of Hojlund and poor performances of Marcus Rashford upfront could hand the 27-year-old a fresh chance to at least make a positive impression on supporters. And Ten Hag has already identified three key ways to do exactly that.

"When you have a player in your squad you have to expect he is available and the players have to take responsibility to be available but when he is not, I have to deal with the situation and we have shown we can be successful without that striker," Ten Hag said in July as his side looked for aNo.9 in the transfer market. "But, of course, it's easier when you have that striker in your team because every club who wins big trophies has scoring abilities in that team.

"We need a good squad and Anthony Martial is a brilliant football player, so he will help us score goals. And also in other areas like