Anthony Martial of Manchester United is set to miss the side’s first Premier League fixture of the 2022/2023 campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, August 7, through injury.
Anthony Martial Picks Up Injury in Pre-season – Return Date Unconfirmed
OFFICIAL: Anthony Martial is a doubt for Manchester United's opening Premier League fixture vs Brighton after sustaining a hamstring injury. pic.twitter.com/fy2zm2nKpD
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) August 4, 2022
United Face Liverpool in August
The 26-year-old appeared to have picked up an injury in Oslo where United played Atletico Madrid in a pre-season game after he left the pitch holding his leg.
It has since been confirmed that Martial has suffered a minor hamstring problem. It is unknown when the forward will be available again for selection, however the club will be hopeful to have him fit to face Brentford on August 13.
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Alternatively, United face rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on August 22, and will need all the help they can get to try and seek redemption after last season’s lacklustre performances against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
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The injury leaves manager Erik ten Hag scrambling for cover to lead the front line. The ongoing saga regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s pursuit of a new club remains unresolved, so it’s likely that the Portuguese international will be available to start for their first game.
The five-time Champions League winner pulled on a red shirt for the time since the conclusion of last season when they faced Rayo Vallecano on Sunday; he played 45 minutes before being substituted and was unable to contribute throughout his time on the pitch.
He was also spotted leaving the stadium before the full-time whistle had been blown.
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24-year-old Marcus Rashford is able to play the role of a striker when needed, however it then leaves Ten Hag slightly short on winger options. A boost for the Reds is the return of Jadon Sancho, who missed their final pre-season friendly through illness.
Both Englishmen will be eager to hit the ground running this season and prove their ability on the pitch, especially as Gareth Southgate will be monitoring which stars to take to Qatar to represent England at the World Cup in November.
Martial Comeback Season on the Cards?
Martial has looked prolific over the summer having scored three goals, but the Frenchman has also seemed more confident in his preferred position up front. In 2019/2020, Martial hit the best form of his career so far when he netted 23 goals and managed 12 assists across all competitions.
He struggled to replicate this form throughout the following season, when he was only able to contribute seven goals and nine assists.
A loan move in January saw Martial sent to Spanish side Sevilla to try and hit goal scoring form again. His position had been occupied by Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, and the French international was unable to cement his place in the starting 11 when he was given the chance to play.
He returned to United this summer having only scored once for Sevilla.
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The new season, as well as the departure of Cavani, provides Martial a chance to hit the form he is well capable of. He will benefit even more so with the help of young wingers Rashford and Sancho behind him, as well as playmakers Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
