Four Manchester United stars suffer injury blow ahead of League opening clash against Brighton
Due to an injury, Anthony Martial will miss Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Brighton.
The attacker exited the field holding his leg after suffering a slight hamstring injury in their preseason encounter against Atletico Madrid in Oslo.
According to The Athletic, he will miss United’s match against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday.
He is expected to return to Brentford on August 13 before facing Liverpool on August 22.
His injury presents new manager Erik ten Hag with a selection dilemma, as the Frenchman is the only recognized striker in the team other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who is out due to injury.
Ronaldo, who has informed the club that he wishes to depart this summer, has only appeared in one preseason game, a 1-1 tie with Rayo Vallecano, going until halftime before being substituted.
Ten Hag has stated that the Portugal international has to improve his match fitness, but the Dutch manager may now be obliged to play Ronaldo or Marcus Rashford in the center.
United will be bolstered by the return of Jadon Sancho, who has recovered from sickness, but Martial’s absence is a major blow.
That’s rather surprising given that he was anticipated to leave Old Trafford after being loaned out to Sevilla for the second half of last season.
He scored just one goal in 12 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga club, which doubled his season tally after scoring just one in the first half of the season at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
But, under Ten Hag, the 26-year-old has impressed in the preseason, scoring three goals and generally appearing like he’ll have a great influence for the Red Devils this season.
Former Manchester United midfielder Lee Sharpe believes Anthony Martial can be a “£60 million new player” under Erik ten Hag if he “puts in the work.”
“I think Martial is unplayable on his day,” Sharpe added. I believe he is that good. That’s what irritates fans: knowing he’s that good but not delivering on a consistent basis.”
“I don’t know the lad personally, so I’m not sure if he prefers to play out wide or as a number nine.”
“If he wants to be a number nine, and Ten Hag is fine with him being there, and if Martial puts in the effort, United have a surprise package.”
“A £50-60 million new player, if you will, because on his day, he’s amazing with quick feet.” He’s a tremendous talent who can score goals and create for others.
“Everyone will be thrilled if United gets the best out of Martial.”
