Erik ten Hag has urged Anthony Martial to maintain his fitness after Manchester United and Marcus Rashford suffered a major injury blow against Everton.
The Red Devils’ top goalscorer this season limped off nursing what looked like a groin injury during the closing stages of Saturday’s ultimately routine 2-0 victory against the relegation threatened Toffees.
United face a daunting run of fixtures that could well define their season with European and FA Cup commitments sandwiched between vital fixtures in the race for the top four.
Martial has only recently made his comeback from a lengthy lay-off but gave a timely reminder of his ability with the goal that clinched another important three points.
Asked how important Martial’s presence could be during the run-in, especially in light of Rashford’s injury, Ten Hag said: Martial when he is fit he will contribute no doubt.
‘We have seen it already when he is on the pitch it makes a difference to the team. See Liverpool, see Man City games.
‘We have to keep him fit, he has to keep himself fit and will contribute. He’s a threat for the opponent and he’s one who can be clinical.’
Ten Hag felt particularly aggrieved at Rashford’s injury given United had been asked to play three games in the space of six days.
He said: ‘Some things you can’t avoid but that was avoidable. Why has the Premier League given us the late Sunday game then the early Saturday game?
‘The players can’t recover, the science shows. It accumulates. Now we can only pray.’
MORE : Erik ten Hag picks out Bruno Fernandes as best player on the pitch as Manchester United beat Everton
MORE : Manchester United star Marcus Rashford suffers worrying injury against Everton
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