Paul Scholes has made a big claim when it comes to Anthony Martial as the French forward starred in Manchester United’s triumph over Everton.
Martial has had a frustrating season so far as he has contested with several injuries. The 27-year-old looked bright in pre-season but has often been unavailable this year.
He has slowly been regaining his fitness and has been used as a second-half substitute in Man Utd’s last three Premier League matches.
The Frenchman was on target against Everton and managed to score his fourth league goal of the season.
Scholes has admitted that Martial could be a top player under Ten Hag, but his injury record has ultimately hampered him in doing this.
“He hasn’t got a a good record fitness wise. If he’s playing in this team [injury free] he’s scoring 20-25 goals,” Scholes told BT Sport.
Martial’s best-ever goalscoring season came during 2019–20 where he scored 17 league goals in 32 appearances.
His ability has rarely been in question, but his worrying injury record could see him depart in the summer.
In February it was reported that Martial was up for sale, but Ten Hag might be forced to reconsider if he manages to impress in the final months of the season.
Given that Marcus Rashford could be facing a spell on the sidelines due to injury, Martial could have returned to form at the perfect moment.
Ten Hag provides Rashford update
Man Utd were comfortable in their victory against Everton, but Rashford hobbling off with a second half injury has caused concern at the club.
The United boss provided an update after the match and pointed the finger at their hectic fixture pile up.
“We have to wait [on Rashford’s injury], it doesn’t look good. Once again it’s down to the schedule, you can’t play three games in six days. Everyone wants to see big players on the pitch.
“He played against Fulham, he played against Betis, he’s playing for England so he’s fit, he’s ready to play and the thinking is we have the most crazy schedule from all the Premier League teams.
“We have three games to cover in six days – which is not right, but we have to deal with it.”
Rashford had been enjoying his most prolific season to date with 28 goals this season across all competitions.
Man Utd’s schedule doesn’t ease up anytime soon as they are back in action in midweek against Sevilla in the Europa League.
Despite the injury news coming as a blow, Ten Hag has remained upbeat about his side and what they have achieved so far.
“I see it as a project but I also know you need results. We are in a perfect situation, we couldn’t expect we were in this situation when we started last year in June – let’s be honest.
“We are in the top four, we are in the quarter final of the Europa League, we are in the semi-final of the FA Cup and we already have a cup in our pocket, so what could be better?”
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