Erik ten Hag praises Anthony Martial as he nears fitness | OneFootball

Erik ten Hag says that Manchester United are making progress in their search for a striker.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s pre-season match with Wrexham, the boss said:

“Progress yes. You know how it works, when we have him, we will tell you directly.

“We will do everything in our power to get it done. We need as soon as possible. Ideally he’d be here, we need to integrate, but you don’t always get ideal situations as manager, we have to deal with that.”

Ten Hag also gave a promising update on Anthony Martial, who has missed the start of pre-season preparations as he recovers from a hamstring injury sustained at the end of last season.

“Today he was in the team training,” he said.

“He is a brilliant football player, he will help us to score goals. We hope he will be fit and stays fit. It is easier when you have a striker in your team.”

The manager was also asked about Jonny Evans. The academy graduate was signed on a short-term deal in a shock move and there has been some speculation as to whether that deal could be extended.

“He helps us with numbers,” Ten Hag explained.

“Really useful to manage the load. Jonny wants to stay fit, have a career. Last week he played a good game, mentally he was pushing younger players to a higher level. We help him as well.”

After facing Wrexham tomorrow, United then travel to Houston to play Real Madrid less than 24 hours later. Ten Hag was asked about the logistics of playing two games so close together.

“We’re planning this over months. Darren Fletcher will help the team. Travis Binnion is in charge, I will support him.

“I don’t want to have a red line in our club. Rules, how we want to play, have to go down [from the top] to the bottom.

“I fly to Houston after the game,” he said. “‘I’ve never been to Houston – I only know it from the westerns!”