Erik ten Hag has named an unchanged Manchester United team for Southampton because he wanted to show trust in the players that started against Liverpool.
08.08.2022 - 11:29 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag refused to put a timeframe on Anthony Martial returning to fitness after an injury sidelined him for their Premier League opener on Sunday afternoon.
Martial, 26, faced an uncertain future at Old Trafford this summer. However, after netting three goals in four games during their pre-season programme, the Frenchman earned himself a chance at redemption.
Due to wantaway Cristiano Ronaldo missing out on tour, Martial was poised and ready to face Brighton on Sunday afternoon, but an injury forced him out of the opener. It was a late setback for United in their preparations as Christian Eriksen was deployed as a false nine, flanked by Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
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Ronaldo later entered the fray with United two down at that point. However, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was unable to inspire his teammates to complete an Old Trafford fightback.
Brighton won 2-1 courtesy of a match-winning double from Pascal Gross, and United responded with an own goal. United visit Brentford in their next Premier League fixture on Saturday, August 13 (5.30pm).
During his interview with BBC Sport, Ten Hag said: "It's difficult to say [how long]. With his injury we have to wait until tomorrow for how we will progress, but we have one week [until the next game]."
Speaking about Ronaldo, he added: "This game will help him. He will come with a better fitness level.
"We have one week to go [until the next game] and we will work hard. This is not only Cristiano - it's for the whole team that has to work hard, but Cristiano specifically with his fitness level and his integration into the team."
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These are your Manchester United evening headlines for Friday, August 12.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that winger Facundo Pellistri will be sidelined until at least September because of an ankle injury.
After the promising start made by Erik ten Hag in pre-season, last weekend's opening 2-1 defeat by Brighton showed just how far Manchester United still have to go before they are competitive again. Some of that work will be undertaken at Carrington and the new manager certainly wasn't going easy on his players in the baking sunshine this week.
Erik ten Hag is determined to bring success back to Manchester United on the pitch as he looks to reconnect fans with the club.