Anthony Martial: Manchester United Star Begged Erik ten Hag to Play in Manchester Derby Despite Injury

• Anthony Martial's career at Manchester United has been hampered by constant injuries.
• The striker asked to be started against Manchester City despite not training well before the derby.
• He remains a concern ahead of Manchester United's crunch games this week against Crystal Palace and Arsenal.

Manchester United Head Coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that Anthony Martial begged to be included in the Manchester derby despite having injury concerns.

Injuries have plagued Martial's time at Manchester United and he was at risk of missing the Manchester derby in its entirety. Ten Hag, however, took a gamble and played him in the first half.

As the Athletic reports, Ten Hag admitted that Martial had issues in training last week, but they decided together for him to start against Pep Guardiola's men.

"We decided — and he decided as well — to start. He begged to start. I knew the start would be so important in this game and he is really good at pressing and he is a really big element in our pressing."

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The former Ajax manager then adjudged the French striker to be struggling and not at 100 per cent and decided to withdraw him at half-time for Antony.

The second half was eventful with the Red Devils coming from a goal down to beat their cross-town rivals and insert themselves into the title race.

Ten Hag will make a late fitness call on the availability of Martial when they travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening. He will also determine whether new signing Wout Weghorst is ready to make his debut in red.

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At the same time, Sports Brief has reported that ten Hag is reportedly plotting to raid Ajax and sign three of their star players.

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Ten Hag has enjoyed a bright start to life since moving to the Premier League with the Red Devils back in April 2021. United are currently the only English team challenging for four titles this season, with the club firmly in the FA Cup and the Europa League.

Ten Hag has already added two new signings this month, with striker Wout Weghorst and goalkeeper Jack Butland joining on loan. Be that as it may, the Dutchman is said to be keen to further strengthen his squad and has set his sights on raiding Ajax for his transfer targets.