'I hope' - Erik ten Hag gives major injury update on Man United star

Man United boss Erik ten Hag has given a positive injury update on Red Devils star Anthony Martial.

The Frenchman has missed United's last five games after suffering a back injury in the 2-1 win over Everton on October 9.

Martial had to be substituted after 29 minutes in the match. It represented an untimely blow for the 26-year-old, who netted twice in the Manchester derby on October 2, before scoring in the 3-2 win over Omonia Nicosia in the Europa League four days later.

It has been a stop-start season for Martial, who has made just three Premier League appearances. However, he has scored twice and assisted twice in those appearances.

He starred for United in pre-season, and looked set to start at centre forward in Ten Hag's first league game as Red Devils boss against Brighton.

However, two days prior to that fixture, Martial was ruled out through injury.

A substitute appearance for the second half in the 2-1 win over Liverpool on August 22 represented his only first-team action between then and his return from injury against Man City.

Now, however, with the World Cup on the horizon, United fans have finally received some good news in regards to the France international's unavailability.

Ten Hag gives Martial injury update

Speaking prior to the Red Devils' home Premier League fixture against West Ham on Sunday, Ten Hag revealed that Martial is not far away from a return to action.

He explained (quotes via 90min): "I hope [he'll be back before the World Cup]. But he's making progress.

"He is outside and he is working there. So he is on the pitch, and we are waiting for his step back in team training.

"[His injury] was really frustrating for us but also for him, and we have seen that he played good in pre-season.

"He has [not many] minutes, but he scored already three goals. At Everton, he had also an important role with the first goal. His assist for Antony.

"So, it would be really good to have him back because he can make a difference. He can score goals, but also linking up he's really important, and the pressing from him is really good."

United fans will hope Martial is back in contention soon - and he can go on an extensive run of games without suffering further injury.