Report: Martial (hamstring) set to miss United opener

Manchester United will open up their Premier League season on Sunday and will be doing so without, perhaps, their best player from the preseason.

The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell reports France striker Anthony Martial will miss the match versus Brighton with a hamstring injury.

Martial, 26, scored three times in United's five preseason matches.

With Martial's absence, manager Erik ten Hag may be forced to turn to wantaway Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old Ronaldo, who is still trying to engineer an exit from Old Trafford, appeared in only one of the club's preseason games, last Sunday against Rayo Vallecano. England forward Marcus Rashford is also an option at centre forward.

While Martial is out, England winger Jadon Sancho will be available for selection after recovering from illness.