Man Utd forward returns to training after missing pre-season through injury
- Anthony Martial has finally returned to Man Utd training
- French forward suffered a hamstring injury on the final day of last season
- Rasmus Hojlund remains sidelined through injury
By Tom Gott
Manchester United welcomed striker Anthony Martial back to training this week as the Frenchman steps up his return from injury.
Martial picked up a hamstring problem on the final day of last season and missed each of United's eight pre-season friendlies this summer as he recovered.
However, he is now finally back in training and working to try force his way back into Erik ten Hag's starting lineup.
Concerns over Martial's ability to lead the line saw United splash out on Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund, who arrived from Atalanta in a £72m deal.
Hojlund also arrived injured, however, meaning Ten Hag may have to get creative when United kick off their Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
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While Marcus Rashford has operated in a central role, Ten Hag appeared to focus on trialling winger Jadon Sancho as a striker during pre-season.
Sancho played in seven of United's eight summer friendlies, missing only the fixture against Wrexham which was contested by an academy setup. He managed one goal, netting in the 2-0 victory over rivals Arsenal.
Ten Hag has publicly backed Sancho to succeed this season but warned the England international that consistency will be the key to more minutes.
"He has the skills, Ten Hag told ESPN. "He has to show consistently that he can make a huge contribution.
"When you are a forward, that end product is the key, so make sure you are making the key actions, the final pass and get your goals in, because that's why he is here. The rest has to be good as well. That is your foundation and then you meet all the other standards that we expect from a player. On a high level every third or fourth day."
LISTEN TO 90MIN'S MAN UTD PODCAST: THE PROMISED LAND
On this edition of The Promised Land, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders and Rob Blanchette talk about Jean-Clair Todibo potentially replacing Harry Maguire, as well as views on Scott McTominay, Fred, Dean Henderson and Donny van de Beek.
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