‘Difficult to say’ - Erik ten Hag gives mixed response on Anthony Martial’s future at Man Utd

Erik ten Hag has admitted it is ‘difficult to say’ whether Anthony Martial will be a member of his squad next season, but insisted he wants the attacker to remain at Manchester United.

The Frenchman has missed 34 games with various injuries this term and it’s been a constant source of frustration for Ten Hag that he has not been able to rely on Martial, especially given the former Monaco man managed a goal every 123 minutes when on the pitch.

Martial made his return from injury last week in the 2-0 win over Everton and then started his first match since January as United drew 2-2 with Sevilla on Thursday night. However, it’s been widely reported that Ten Hag is willing to let United’s no.9 leave this summer, an issue he addressed ahead of Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest.

Asked if Martial will be viewed as a ‘proper’ member of the squad next season, Ten Hag replied: “It’s difficult to say because the history shows different but I want him to be because he is a great player and he definitely has the qualities to play in top football. When he is fit our team plays better. [But] from my point of view, yeah [I want him to stay].

“For me he is the best as a centre-forward,” Ten Hag added. “But I think he can play in more positions. I think he can play as a 10, in a wide position as well.”

Speaking earlier in his pe-match press conference, Ten Hag also seemed to imply that he is wary of risking Martial from the start against Forest as it would see him start two matches in row after such a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"Maybe he can [start], but it’s a risk and we can’t take that risk in this moment because we don’t have so many options in the frontline with [Marcus] Rashford and [Alejandro] Garnacho injured, so we have to be careful.

"Also, in the individual prospect, we know when there’s a lot of load he gets injured and we have to build it, especially when the games come quick.”