Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has delivered an update on Anthony Martial.

Anthony Martial is set to be included in the Manchester United squad to face Wolves in the season opener tonight.

Throughout Manchester United’s eight preseason games, Martial has not played a single minute. He wasn’t even sitting on the bench.

But Martial is ready for selection at Old Trafford to play Wolves after rejoining first team practice last week.

Anthony Martial fit again

Ten Hag discussed Martial when responding to a question over new signing Rasmus Hojlund, who is not fit to play.

Speaking to club media, he said: “I’m quite calm and composed in this situation.Because Rashy is very good as a striker – we have seen it last Saturday [v Lens].

“Anthony Martial is available as well. Jadon Sancho can play there as well – he did it in pre-season very well. The squad can deal with it, as I already said. There is a strategy behind it.”

Martial fitness can’t be relied upon

Anthony Martial may be fit now, but the big question is ‘how long will he stay fit for?’

He will not start tonight, with no pre-season under his belt. Instead he will have to settle for a spot on the bench, at best.

United’s front three is expected to be Alejandro Garnacho on the left, Antony on the right, and Marcus Rashford through the middle.

Jadon Sancho is the next option United would call upon from the bench, but Martial is an interesting candidate for Ten Hag to have.

Considering he is just recovering from a hamstring injury suffered at the end of last season, it would be a small victory if Martial manages 10 minutes from the bench, unscathed.

Even this, probably wouldn’t be enough for United to start him next week against Spurs.

Martial has lost all trust, from supporters, and possibly from the coaches too, to stay fit. He is going to be reintroduced very slowly, to avoid another setback.

But as we have seen, it can happen at any time with Martial. At this stage, our preference is to go out and sign another back-up striker, and try and sell him, while he’s finally ‘fit’.