Manchester United's Anthony Martial suffers fresh injury setback

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 05 February 2023

Man United's Anthony Martial suffers fresh injury setback

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial suffers a fresh injury setback, with the Frenchman potentially facing another spell on the sidelines.

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial could be facing another period on the treatment table.

The 27-year-old has struggled with a number of injury problems during the 2022-23 campaign, spending time out with hamstring, Achilles, back and muscular issues.

Martial has been unavailable for selection for 18 games at club level this season, but he has still managed to contribute six goals and two assists in 14 appearances for the club.

The Frenchman was on the scoresheet as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.

Martial, who is currently being linked with a summer exit, was expected to be involved in Saturday's Premier League game with Crystal Palace, but he was a notable absentee from the squad list at Old Trafford.

Anthony Martial celebrates scoring for Manchester United on October 6, 2022 © Reuters

Before the match, Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag revealed that the forward suffered "a setback" against Forest, and he could now be facing another spell on the sidelines through injury.

"He had a setback from the game when he returned," Martial told MUTV. "He thought he could build up, but he dropped a little bit back. We have to wait, we have to be patient not to force it."

Wout Weghorst has started every match for the Red Devils since his arrival on loan from Burnley in January, largely due to Martial's injury problems.

Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were on the scoresheet in Saturday's 2-1 win over Palace, with the hosts having to survive a late scare following Casemiro's red card and a goal from Jeffrey Schlupp.

Man United goalkeeper David de Gea lavished praise on his teammates for their resilience, with the Eagles pushing for a late leveller at Old Trafford.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

"It was tough, especially after the red card. I think we controlled the first half well, we scored an early goal, similar in the second half, we started really well, scored a second but after the red, it was really tough," De Gea told MUTV.

"We fought until the end and I think the team did really well because they put players in front, good players, and we defend really well. We concede one goal but we won a massive three points today. It's not easy to lose a big player like Casemiro.

"Then they start to attack and there's still 15 minutes to go, so I think we showed massive spirit today, great character, the whole team and the players from the bench have been amazing, so that means we're doing really good things as a team.

"We defended really well, the manager made good changes and we felt solid at the back. We fight a lot as a team."

Man United, who have won their last four matches in all competitions, are now preparing for back-to-back Premier League games against Leeds United, with the Whites first visiting Old Trafford on Wednesday night.