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Erik ten Hag has defended Anthony Marital after an uninspiring cameo in the defeat against Brighton and insists the Frenchman will \u2018definitely contribute\u2019 this season.<\/p>\n
Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
The United boss has kept faith in Martial since his arrival at Old Trafford despite the striker\u2019s well-documented injury problems, having not completed a Premier League game since January 2021.<\/p>\n
After two consecutive starts against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal, Martial made way for \u00a372million signing Rasmus Hojlund against Brighton on Saturday. The Denmark international was United\u2019s best player on an otherwise dismal afternoon, denied a home debut goal after his effort was ruled out in the first-half.<\/p>\n
Hojlund was replaced by Martial just after the hour mark, a change that prompted loud boos from all around Old Trafford with United desperately chasing a goal.<\/p>\n
United fell three goals behind seven minutes later through Joao Pedro\u2019s strike with Hannibal Mejbri\u2019s consolation effort doing little to lift spirits.<\/p>\n
Speaking in his post-match press conference, ten Hag dismissed suggestions the boos that rang out were for Martial\u2019s introduction.<\/p>\n
\u2018I think it was because Hojlund came off,\u2019 ten Hag said. \u2018I don\u2019t want to discuss that. I think Anthony Martial last year when he played he had very positive effect on our games.<\/p>\n
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\u2018I think we almost did not lose a game with Martial on the pitch so if that\u2019s the fact then I don\u2019t understand, when he is fit he contributes.<\/p>\n
\u2018At this moment he\u2019s not top fit and he\u2019s improving. When he is 100% fit he will contribute like last season. He has to make also be available and keep being consistently available and then his form will be better.<\/p>\n
\u2018Every time last year he affected our game in a positive way, I hope he stays fit and he will contribute to our game.\u2019<\/p>\n
United\u2019s focus now shifts to their opening Champions League group game away to Bayern Munich next week where they are expected to remain without a clutch of injured players including Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Tyrell Malacia.<\/p>\n
\u2018Maybe one player [will return] but I think Munich is a little bit too short [soon],\u2019 ten Hag continued. \u2018I think when we go to Burnley and week after we will return players.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018Absolutely Bayern Munich is one of the favourites for the Champions League so we have to be good there. I think I already explained that we need character, belief, resilience, determination.\u2019<\/p>\n