Ten Hag reveals he's treading carefully over Martial fitness

ERIK ten Hag admits United are treading 'a thin line' with Anthony Martial as the striker cannot play 90 minutes every three days.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

The Frenchman started the last seven games for the Reds and has been substituted in each one as Ten Hag protects his only recognised centre-forward in a month the club are likely to play eight games.

United have progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup and victory over Charlton in the League Cup quarter-final on Tuesday would set up a two-legged semi-final, with both ties to be played in January.

Martial has missed 13 weeks of the season through hamstring, Achilles and back injuries but he has been injury-free for two months and the Reds are striving to sign a striker on loan to support the France international.

Marcus Rashford is the club's top scorer with 13 goals and Martial has tallied five. Rashford has struck in his last five games and is effectively carrying an attack Ten Hag regards as light following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.

"Anthony is subbed - there is a reason because he can't match the load for many games," Ten Hag explained. "That is why we are looking for another striker, it's not about that we don't rely on him.