Anthony Martial: Erik Ten Hag Reveals Why French Striker Started From Bench Against Brentford

• Manchester United returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Brentford last night
• Red Devils also moved back into the top four after slipping out at the weekend
• Marcus Rashford's first-half strike was enough for United to hold on against the hardworking Bees

Manchester United returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford at Old Trafford last night, thanks to Marcus Rashford's strike in the 27th minute.

The win propelled United back into the top four, level on points with Newcastle United, who have a superior goal difference and beat United 2-0 at St James Park on Sunday.

The game was the first time Dutch striker Wout Weghorst missed out on the starting 11 since he joined the club on loan in January, and it also marked the return of Anthony Martial from injury.

According to Sports Mole, the French striker, linked with an exit this summer, has struggled with different injuries, hamstring, achilles, back, and muscular problems.

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Martial started off the bench

After rumours that Weghorst would be dropped, one would expect the former Monaco man to lead the line. Instead, Rashford led the line and was supported on either side by Jadon Sancho and Antony.

Speaking after the game via Metro UK, Dutch manager Erik Ten Hag confirmed the striker is not yet ready to start a game.

‘‘No, otherwise [he would start]. He was an option but I don’t think in this moment he’s game fit enough to have a start,’’ he said when asked if he was fit enough to start games.

‘‘Also it’s prevention. Obviously, when you see Anthony Martial’s record over the last years you have to be really careful to plan it and [even] then still he can be fragile physically.

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‘‘I want to take the risk because I know that when he’s on the pitch he makes a great impact to our performance.’’

Why Ten Hag dropped Weghorst

Sports Brief reported that Erik Ten Hag revealed why he dropped Weghorst, and it was not related to recent outrage against the striker's lack of goals.

Ten Hag instead revealed Sancho's creativity and skillset were needed against Brentford. Englishman's ability to take on, create and play in behind made him a pick over the Burnley striker.