Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has admitted that he would want to keep Anthony Martial despite rumors that he would depart during the summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old has missed much of this season due to injury. In spite of the Red Devils’ interest in players like Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen, it seems possible that the No. 9 will stay at Old Trafford.
Martial has only participated in 17 of the team’s 49 games this season, of which just nine were starters. He last scored in United’s 2-0 win against Everton on April 8 off the bench.
But even with only 729 minutes of playing time, he has seven goals and two assists. Despite having resumed full training five weeks ago, the Frenchman has not started a game since January 14’s 2-1 victory against Manchester City.
The Frenchman’s career at Old Trafford has declined during that period due to five separate injuries, but the Devils’ boss thinks Manchester United is a better team when he plays.
When Martial has been available for Manchester United so far this season, the striker has excelled. But he has missed more games than he has participated in, so as the summer transfer window approaches, the Red Devils are considering moves for Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
What did the Manchester United manager say about Anthony Martial?
Prior to Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Sevilla in the Europa League quarterfinals, Erik Ten Hag spoke in a press conference. He talked about Martial, “You say I defended him but I just point to the stats, the stats tell you the moment he’s on the pitch, the time he needs for a goal is really less.”
Erik ten Hag asked whether Anthony Martial will be at Manchester United next season: "From my point of view, yes" 🔴 #MUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 16, 2023
"He’s a great player – he definitely has the qualities to play in top football – and when he is fit our team plays better". pic.twitter.com/kGn0wuUkcd
“When he is in the team, I refer to games against Man City and Liverpool, we play our best football and have the best results as a team. I see how he contributes to this team.”
And Ten Hag confessed he’d want to keep hold of the forward but isn’t sure that will happen at a press conference before Sunday’s matchup with Nottingham Forest.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Dutchman said, “From my point of view, yes. It’s difficult to say with Anthony because his history says differently. I want him to be here because I think he’s a great player.”
“He’s a great player – he definitely has the qualities to play in top football – and when he is fit our team plays better.”
What next for the Red Devils?
Following Marcus Rashford’s “for a few games” suspension due to a muscular issue, Martial has made an ideal comeback to health.
Man United will suffer a great loss without Rashford, especially in light of how important he has been to the team’s comeback this year. The England international has scored 28 goals across all competitions.
Christian Eriksen has also returned from a protracted injury layoff, and Casemiro, who served a four-game ban by missing the past three Premier League games as well as their FA Cup match against Fulham, is anticipated to be in the United squad on Thursday.
Manchester United will face Nottingham Forrest in the Premier League today and then travel to Sevilla for the second leg of their Europa League clash.
