ANTHONY MARTIAL is pushing for a speedy return to action against Newcastle on Sunday after picking up a knock in the 2-1 win over Everton.
The Frenchman, 26, was subbed off last Sunday in the 29th minute and was replaced by Cristiano Ronaldo, who went on to score the winner and notch his 700th club goal.
He was also absent for Man Utd’s 1-0 Europa League win over Omonia.
However, manager Erik ten Hag has refused to rule out Martial’s involvement on Sunday against the visiting Magpies.
Ten Hag said ahead of Thurday’s European win: “Not [training] today, we will see before Sunday.
“I have several talks with him about that [this season’s injury problems].
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“It’s really disappointing for him. But I think all the minutes he played well, even on Sunday.
“He made the assist for Antony and played very well. He fell out and it’s frustrating for him.”
And ahead of Newcastle, the Dutchman added: “Anthony Martial can be [available] but we have to wait to see how he develops in the coming hours.”
And should he return to action in time, he could start up front with fellow in-form star Marcus Rashford to his left and Antony to his right.
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The pacy trio have 11 goals across all competitions between them, and appear to be Ten Hag’s preferred front three, with Jadon Sancho also playing his part.
That would mean Ronaldo would drop back to the substitutes bench, where he has spent most of his time this season.
The 37-year-old didn’t exactly cover himself in glory against Cypriot opposition either.
Casemiro could sit at the base of the midfield, with the Brazil star starting to get a consistent run of games.
The 30-year-old could provide the freedom for Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes to make things happen in the final third.
Luke Shaw will resume at left-back following Tyrell Malacia’s nightmare week against Omonia.
Raphael Varane could return to the team after starting from the bench against Everton and in Europe.
The Frenchman has shown promising signs next to Lisandro Martinez.
And Diogo Dalot has been the preferred choice at right-back.
David de Gea will unsurprisingly keep his place in goal.
The game against Newcastle may have come too soon for club captain Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
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Alternatively, Ronaldo could start up front if Martial isn’t deemed fit enough.
And Victor Lindelof could keep his place while Varane rests.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
