Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has given positive remarks regarding the fitness of attacking duo Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial ahead of the team's Premier League Sunday afternoon clash with Eddie Howe's Newcastle United.
According to Erik ten Hag, Anthony Martial is expected to rejoin the Manchester United team for the journey to St James' Park on Sunday.
The 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Nottingham Forest in early February was the last time the France forward played for the Reds.
Ten Hag hopes that Martial will be among the players who travel to the north-east for what is a crucial match in the battle for the top four. Martial has been managing a hip issue in the interim, but he has been working diligently in training during the international break.
“He is training. So, for two weeks now,” Ten Hag told reporters at Carrington on Friday.
“I think he can be in the squad for Sunday.”
This season, Martial has played 14 times for the first squad across all competitions, contributing two assists and six goals.
The 27-year-old's contribution to Ten Hag's team has been obvious when he's been on the field, even though his season has been marred by illness. The majority of his playing time came during a stretch of eight straight games either side of the World Cup.
Erik chose to concentrate on the here and now of getting players back in shape for what will be an extremely hectic final two months of the season when asked whether United could handle this situation moving forward.
“First of all, [we need to] make sure everyone is available, so everyone is fit and then keep improving the way of play. That gives the best chance that we will score more goals," Erik Ten Hag stated.
The 53 year old went on to give some insights into Marcus Rashford's fitness. The 25 year old was withdrawn from the England's squad as a caution not to aggrevate a knock he received during Manchester United's 3-1 win in the Emirates FA Cup quarter finals against Fulham prior the international break. Erik Ten Hag believes the season's club top scorer will be available on Sunday.
"I have good hope," said Erik. "He trained but he had to do some treatment, he had to do some individual training and, today, he joined in the group. I think we have one more day so I have good hope he's available. I think so."
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