Erik ten Hag has said Anthony Martial “begged” to start in Manchester United‘s win over Manchester City but had to be substituted to protect the striker from further injury.
Martial passed a fitness test on Saturday morning but was replaced at half-time during United’s 2-1 win at Old Trafford.
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The French striker has been plagued by injuries since the start of the season, and Ten Hag, who is already short of options up front, said he did not want to risk another spell on the sidelines.
“I hoped to avoid him getting injured but he was complaining,” Ten Hag said.
“That’s why he also didn’t train in the week and was a question mark [for the derby]. We decided, and he decided as well, to start. He begged to start.
