Erik ten Hag reaction to Anthony Martial showed Manchester United striker's role this season

Martial's moment

Erik ten Hag has never wavered publicly from his backing of Anthony Martial and when the striker buried his chance to get off the mark for the season against Crystal Palace, his manager raised both arms to the sky on the touchline.

It might have been relief that Martial's goal, Manchester United's third of the night, had put this cup tie to bed, but you do wonder if Ten Hag still harbours hope of being the man to unlock Martial's potential at Old Trafford.

Potential is not the right word to use for a 27-year-old with more than 300 games to his name for the club, but it has never really worked out for the forward and with his contract up in the summer, the clock is ticking. Yet some still insist there is a player there.

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He certainly got a generous ovation after his night's work against Crystal Palace. His left-footed finish from a tight angle was smart and as he reached the touchline he got an appreciative handshake from his manager.

Martial had his chance to become Ten Hag's main man last season, but after a bright start he was injured too often and then could find no form towards the end of the campaign. This season, it's Rasmus Hojlund who will get star billing.

But United don't want the 20-year-old to be starting every game. To avoid that scenario they need Martial to be good enough and fit enough to cover for the Dane and even put pressure on him. This was a decent enough start on both fronts and Ten Hag's celebration felt telling.

Maguire impresses

It felt vital for Harry Maguire's prospects of getting any serious game time for United this season that he started this fixture