Erik ten Hag has been unlucky with injuries in the first couple of weeks at Manchester United and ahead of this weekend’s game at Southampton, the Dutchman has been delivered a heavy blow.
Anthony Martial missed the first two games against Brighton and Brentford with a hamstring injury but the Frenchman recovered in time for Monday’s win over Liverpool, delivering a perfect second-half performance.
He set up Marcus Rashford’s winner and held the ball well, helping United wind the clock down as they collected their first points of the campaign. Now, Ten Hag has confirmed that Martial will miss Saturday’s game at Southampton with an Achilles injury.
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“He [Martial] came out with a problem with his Achilles. I hope he will be available for the next game,” Ten Hag said in his pre-match press conference, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Martial’s absence could mean that Ten Hag turns to Cristiano Ronaldo once more, having dropped him against Liverpool. He could also stick with the front three of Anthony Elanga, Jadon Sancho and Rashford.
SN’s verdict…
The news of Martial’s injury will come as a heavy blow for Ten Hag. In pre-season, he was one fourth of a scintillating attack and United look like a better team when he’s in the side.
Thankfully, it does not look like Martial’s injury is a long-term issue and he could be back to feature against Leicester the following Thursday.
In more positive news, the manager also confirmed that new signing Casemiro is fit and available for selection against the Saints. It remains to be seen whether the 30-year-old is thrown into the deep end or if he’s slowly fazed into the side.
