Manchester United are back in Premier League action this weekend as Erik ten Hag looks to build on the 1-0 win over Brentford earlier this week, with that win putting an end to a three-game winless streak for the Reds.
The narrow but dominant victory over Thomas Frank’s men ensured United returned to fourth place, having been displaced two days prior by Tottenham Hotspur.
United are now three points clear of the London club in fifth but have a game in hand, meaning a win against Everton this weekend could further strengthen United’s position.
That win over Brentford also saw Anthony Martial return to Old Trafford, having been offered a brief cameo against Newcastle the week before.
Martial has endured yet another season of injuries and Ten Hag has scarcely been able to use the Frenchman. Speaking ahead of the visit of Everton, Ten Hag explained why Martial did not start against Brentford and also hinted that he may not start against Everton either.
“No, otherwise he was an option but I don’t think in this moment he is game fit enough to have a start,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News when asked about Martial.
“And there is also prevention. Obviously, when you see Anthony Martial’s record over the last years, you have to be really careful to plan it. So I don’t want to take that risk because I know when he is on the pitch he has a great impact on our performance.”
SN’s verdict…
Martial’s extended absence has seen Wout Weghorst start 19 of the 20 games since the Dutchman joined the club and although Ten Hag has publicly defended the forward, it’s fair to assume that he would have liked the option to experiment.
Martial offers a different profile in attack and supporters are growing frustrated with United’s lack of goalscorers in the final third. As things stand, Marcus Rashford is the only consistent goal threat.
