Erik ten Hag gives good news on Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen ahead of Man Utd vs Brighton

The Manchester United manager was asked about Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial and Cristiano Ronaldo in Friday’s press conference.
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Erik ten Hag has revealed summer signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen should be fit to start for Manchester United this weekend.

The Red Devils face Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening game of the Premier League season, which is Ten Hag’s first competitive match in charge.

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It was expected Martinez and Eriksen would miss out given their late arrivals to the squad following summer transfers, with both only starting one pre-season game and coming off after around an hour in the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano.

Ten Hag gave several frosty responses on Friday to questions from reporters. Credit: Getty.Ten Hag gave several frosty responses on Friday to questions from reporters. Credit: Getty.
Ten Hag gave several frosty responses on Friday to questions from reporters. Credit: Getty.

But Ten Hag insisted in Friday’s pre-match press conference that the pair would be available if called upon.

“I think they are fit enough to start,” the Dutchman said when asked about Martinez and Eriksen.

Meanwhile, the manager confirmed Anthony Martial would be absent after it was reported on Thursday he had suffered a hamstring injury.

Martial will miss the opening  match of the season through injury. Credit: Getty.Martial will miss the opening  match of the season through injury. Credit: Getty.
Martial will miss the opening match of the season through injury. Credit: Getty.
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“It is always difficult to say with these injuries, but hopefully not too long,” he responded coyly when asked about the extent of the problem.

The 52-year-old was also giving little away about whether Cristiano Ronaldo would come in to replace the Frenchman up front.

“We will see Sunday,” he said. “I think we will have solutions to sort it out.”

Asked about United’s attacking options, Ten Hag also said: “We are still searching to strengthen the squad.”

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United face Brighton on Sunday in their opening game of the Premier League campaign, which kicks-off at 2pm.

The Seagulls announced on Friday that they had agreed a fee with Chelsea for left-backMarc Cucurella, who was linked with Manchester City earlier in the window.

Meanwhile, defender Shane Duffy has joined Fulham on a season-long loan.