Erik ten Hag cannot rely on Anthony Martial during the opening game of the new Premier League season. That reports The Athletic. The 26-year-old attacker has to miss the game with Brighton & Hove Albion due to a hamstring injury.
Martial had to retire early on Saturday during United’s 0-1 practice defeat against Atlético Madrid. In the 70th minute he was replaced by Christian Eriksen. The 30-time international of France has suffered a minor hamstring injury and it is unclear when he will return. In any case, Martial misses the season overture against Brighton & Hove Albion, while there is also a big question mark behind the Premier League game with Brentford on August 13.
Martial’s injury is a hard blow for manager Erik ten Hag, as the attacker showed his excellent form during the pre-season with three goals. Martial was loaned to Sevilla during the second half of last season and seems to play an important role under Ten Hag. the Red Devils.
According to English media, Ten Hag wanted to start against Brighton with Marcus Rashford, Martial and Jadon Sancho. Martial’s absence may present opportunities for Ronaldo. The Portuguese star attacker expressed his wish to leave a few weeks ago and therefore only played half in the last exhibition game against Rayo Vallecano (1-1). The question is, however, whether he is fit enough to play an entire game right away. Rashford may also be able to act as a center striker, while Ten Hag also has Sancho at his disposal, who was missing during the last practice matches due to illness.
Related
More sports news
