Key Man Utd duo not spotted in latest training video ahead of Brentford clash

Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial were both absent from Manchester United’s latest training footage, which was released on Wednesday evening.

While the club didn’t explain when the video was filmed, it is likely to be Tuesday or Wednesday, and puts the duo’s involvement in this weekend’s clash with Brentford into real doubt.

Martial missed last Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion due to a hamstring issue, with Erik ten Hag giving a vague response when asked about the problem ahead of the game.

“It is always difficult to say with these injuries, but hopefully not too long,” the United manager said last Friday, on how long the No.9 would be out for.

Should Martial still be unavailable for Saturday’s trip to Brentford, Cristiano Ronaldo could play up front. The Portugal forward was deemed not fit enough to start against Brighton after a stunted pre-season.

The 37-year-old was among those spotted in Wednesday’s training video and gallery, and he even gave a cheeky wink to camera as he arrived at the session.

Lindelof was also not seen working with the squad, although, like Martial, it is possible he was training away from the rest of the group.

The centre-back wasn’t named in the matchday squad for the visit of the Seagulls, and at the time it was suggested that was due to him be being dropped rather than injured, with Raphael Varane on the bench.

But his absence from training perhaps indicates he may have picked up a knock. Meanwhile, Varane was seen in Wednesday’s video, as were fellow defenders Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Eric Bailly.

Three others who participated in the session were Zidane Iqbal, Shola Shoretire and Alejdandro Garnacho. A plethora of academy players were used during pre-season, but the trio continuing to train with the first team could indicate they’re seen as the most likely youngsters to play for the senior side this season.

This comes after Ten Hag promised youth players that there is a pathway into the first team after a successful summer for the underage stars.

United face Brentford at 5.30pm this Saturday and will be hoping for a repeat of the 3-1 win in West London last season. The Bees began the new season with a 2-2 draw against Leicester City.