Erik ten Hag says Anthony Martial has a key role to play after the World Cup after admitting his attack has been a “concern” during the first few months as Man Utd manager.
Sunday’s trip to surprise package Fulham brings the curtain down on the Premier League before it halts for five weeks and attention turns to the fight for glory in Qatar.
Martial was not included in France’s World Cup squad after an injury-interrupted start to a season that promised much given the way Ten Hag utilised him during pre-season preparations.
The 26-year-old has managed just six appearances due to hamstring, Achilles and back complaints, but took his tally to four goals in all competitions in Thursday’s 4-2 Carabao Cup win against Aston Villa.
“Definitely he plays very well in a lot of aspects of football,” Man Utd manager Ten Hag said. “I’m happy with that – except his availability. Clear.
“But we also have others. I think when we played with Marcus Rashford as the nine, we also had a good part of the game. We have Cristiano Ronaldo, so we have more options there.
“But it’s quite clear in my way of playing I like a type as Anthony Martial is because he can hold the ball, so he’s a target, he can link up but he can also run behind. He has speed, he can finish and he’s a good presser.”
Asked whether Martial staying fit is key to Man Utd having a successful season, the United boss said: “Yes, definitely, yeah.
“In the front line, the availability of the players that is a concern for us. We had so many games, like Newcastle United, Marcus Rashford ill. We had to play some other games where we have to improvise to construct a proper offensive line.
“If you can’t do that, then it’s really difficult to get into the first four, if you don’t have the players to construct a proper offensive line.”
Ten Hag says there have been some good games since his summer appointment but he wants United to be more consistent, highlighting the attacking “concern”.
“I hoped that we would be where we are now, but it’s better to ask me that question after Sunday,” he said. “Sunday is going to be a really, I think, important game.
“One of the conclusions you already can make is about the frontline. That is a concern.
“I think we really made progress in football – pressing, play out from the back, also attacking, but the final third of our game we have to improve.
“But you need numbers available and when we have to cover so many games…
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