Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen are “fit enough to start” ahead of their Premier League opener against Brghton & Hove Albion.
Manchester United will take on Brighton on Sunday 7 August, and speculation on how his first Premier League XI will line up has been rife.
From Cristiano Ronaldo to Harry Maguire, there have been many variations in which the club could line up, although many assumed that neither new signings Eriksen nor Martinez would start due to their lack of match fitness.
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However, Ten Hag has given an update on their current status, and hinted that should he wish, both players could start from the off at Old Trafford.
"We need competition in the squad, but also we are going into a long season with a lot of games,” He said.
When questioned on the pair, he revealed: “We need a lot of good players. They are fit enough to start."
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Christian Eriksen took part in two of the club’s pre-season friendlies, playing 20 minutes against Atletico Madrid before starting against Rayo Vallecano the following day.
Martinez has partaken in just one, also starting against Rayo Vallecano – both players played around 70 minutes in that fixture.
They both also featured in a 4-1 win behind closed doors against Wrexham, in which Christian Eriksen scored a free kick in the first half.
Another topic of conversation which very much dominated the press conference was Cristiano Ronaldo.
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As it looks increasingly like the striker will be staying at Manchester United this season, many are wondering if Erik ten Hag really plans to keep the player in his plans.
Erik ten Hag, when questioned if Ronaldo will start against Brighton, was coy in his response.
“We will see on Sunday,” he replied.
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It was also asked about his reaction to some players leaving the Rayo Vallecano match early, to which the Dutchman told reporters to “do your research”, as the question was phrased more specifically around Cristiano Ronaldo.
"There were many players that left (early), but the spotlight is on Cristiano and that's not right. So I think (you should) do your research and make out that many players left.
"That's what I said."
As the English transfer window has less than a month to go, there were many questions fielded as to what the club’s approach will be in the closing stages.
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"We said it before in the depth of the squad. We are still searching (for signings),” he said.
"That would be a good situation (to have transfer business done before the season), but I am happy with the squad. I am happy with the signings up until now.
“We are working all together. I am happy with the current squad and we need the right players."
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Transfers, Premier League, Brighton And Hove Albion
Dylan Penketh