Ten Hag tells Man Utd star to 'fight or go' as he worries about Red Devils attack

Erik ten Hag says Anthony Martial has a key role to play after the World Cup after admitting his attack was a 'concern' during his first months as Man Utd manager.

Sunday's trip for Fulham's surprise package brings the curtain down on the Premier League before it comes to a halt for five weeks and the focus turns to the fight for glory in Qatar.< /p>

Martial hasn't been included in France's World Cup squad after an injury-interrupted start to the season that showed a lot of promise given the way Ten Hag used him in pre-season preparations. season.

The 26-year-old managed just six appearances due to hamstring, Achilles and back pain, but took his total to four goals in all competitions in the 4-2 win over the Carabao Cup on Thursday against Aston Villa.

"He certainly plays very well in many aspects of football," said Man Utd manager Ten Hag. “I'm happy with that – except his availability. Delete.

“But we have others as well. there.

"But it's pretty clear in the way I play, I like a guy like Anthony Martial, it's because he can hold the ball, so he's a target, he can chain but he can also running behind. He has speed, he can finish and he is a good presser."

When asked if Martial staying fit was key to Man Utd having a successful season, the United boss replied: "Yeah definitely, yeah.

“On the front line, the availability of players that concerns us. We had so many games, like Newcastle United, Marcus Rashford sick. We had to play other games where we have to improvise to build a good offensive line.

"If you can't do that, then it's really hard to get into the top four, if you don't have the players to build a proper offensive line."

Ten Hag says there have been some good games since his summer appointment but he wants United to be more consistent, underlining attacking 'concern'.

“I was hoping we would be where we are now, but you better ask me that question after Sunday,” he said. "Sunday is going to be a really, I think, important game.

"One of the conclusions you can already draw is about the frontline. That's a concern.

"I think we have really improved in football - pressing, playing from the back, attacking as well, but we need to improve in the last third of our game.

"But you need numbers available and when we have to cover that many games, you need rotation, otherwise you don't keep players fresh.

“So we need players who are available and at the highest level. So we need top players on the front line.”

READ MORE: Ranking Premier League clubs by how badly they impact the World Cup

When asked if they were new players or those they already had, Ten Hag replied, "Both, but look at our team first.

"We are happy. We have talked a lot about (Alejandro) Garnacho and can he stay on this development path, can he continue on this line?

"Yeah, that would be a good contribution to this team because we need it. We need the numbers."

Ten Hag hopes United's attack will be bolstered for Sunday's trip to Craven Cottage by World Cup-linked duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Antony.

"I can't guarantee it now (he's back for Sunday) but he was sick today," Ten Hag said Thursday night. "He can get over it.

"It's not a really serious illness that takes days or weeks, so I think it's possible that he will be available on Sunday and in the team.

"We are working on it but I can't confirm if (Antony) will be in the team on Sunday. He has improved over the past few days and we will see (Friday) and Saturday if he will be available for the team on Sunday."

Jadon Sancho has also been lied to by illness recently and has been left out of the England squad heading to Qatar after a stop-and-start time in a Man Utd shirt.

"It's been ups and downs," Ten Hag said. "He put in a really good performance and I think he was heading in the right direction.

"But the last few weeks he has been battling illness and it is normal that you are not selected because every manager will only take fit players to the World Cup."

Donny van de Beek's absence from the World Cup makes just as much sense given his struggles since joining Man Utd two years ago, his former Ajax boss Ten Hag claiming that he's "definitely seen it better in the past."

"I don't think a loan makes sense," he added. "It's either he fights and proves himself in this atmosphere, this e...