Ten Hag forces Martial to train alone at Man Utd

Striker Anthony Martial has been ruled out of training with the first team at Man Utd, after falling ill last month.

According to British media, Ten Hag told Martial that the French striker needs to train alone to improve his fitness before he can think about returning to the first team.

The request came after Martial contracted the virus and suffered a health setback last month. Ten Hag’s decision to keep the 28-year-old away from the first team was not a disciplinary matter, but rather one that he believed was best for players who were lacking fitness.

Martial warms up ahead of the match against Bournemouth on December 9, 2023. Photo: EPA — Martial warms up ahead of the match against Bournemouth on December 9, 2023. Photo: *EPA*

Ten Hag is currently using high-intensity training methods that require players to exert themselves during training sessions. Therefore, the Dutch coach believes that players who are not in good health like Martial should not join the first team, because it will slow down the progress of others.

Several Man Utd players contracted the same virus as Martial last month. Marcus Rashford missed the final Champions League group game against Bayern with a stomach bug, but returned just days later to feature in the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League.

Martial last played for Man Utd in a 0-3 loss to Bournemouth on December 9. The French striker started but failed to make an impact. Martial's future at Old Trafford is currently uncertain. His contract expires at the end of this season and it is unlikely he will be renewed.

Man Utd will listen to offers for Martial in January. They hope to free up the French striker's $317,000-a-week wages. This could help Man Utd balance their finances and consider signing more players. However, Martial is said to want to stay and fight for his place.

Since joining Man Utd in 2015 for $46 million, Martial has failed to live up to expectations. He won the Golden Boy award in 2015 after scoring 11 goals in 49 appearances for Monaco. However, at Man Utd, Martial has only scored 63 goals in 209 games, including 149 starts in the Premier League.

Duy Doan (according to Daily Mail )

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