Manchester United get Anthony Martial fitness boost ahead of FA Cup tie against Everton
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Anthony Martial is fit to play against Everton in the upcoming FA Cup clash.
Martial was substituted in the 69th minute in United’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
He walked straight down the tunnel with the team’s doctor, which raised concerns about another significant injury to the forward.
His availability was questioned as Ten Hag addressed the media ahead of the FA Cup game on Friday.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “He’s available but it’s different. He came off but he didn’t play that much in the first half of the season, so we have to bring him slowly back into 90 minutes.
“He can play 90 minutes but [if we’re playing him] in a row of games we have to protect him so he can have the strength, the power to deliver over 90 minutes, every third day.”
Anthony Martial is a key player for Erik ten Hag
After Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, Martial is the only striker left at Ten Hag’s disposal.
The 20-time Premier League champions are looking to strengthen their attack this month but a lack of funds is proving to be a huge obstacle in their path to signing a striker.
Martial missed most of the first half of the season, which has cautioned the manager to ease him into the team.
If he picks up another injury, the Red Devils will be forced to shift Marcus Rashford to the central spot, which is not his best position.
Even though the France international has appeared just 11 times this season, he has scored five goals and recorded two assists. He is contributing to a goal every 82 minutes across all competitions.
He may start against Everton but will probably not get more than an hour on the pitch. United have a tough run of fixtures ahead with Manchester City making a trip to Old Trafford next.
Ten Hag will want Martial to remain fit so he can lead the line against Man City as this game could have a huge say in how the top four spots shape up by the end of the season.
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