Manchester United will commence their FA Cup campaign against fellow Premier League outfit Everton on Friday night, and are boosted by the positive fitness report regarding Anthony Martial

What’s the word?

The dynamic Martial was withdrawn in the second half of Man United’s 3-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth earlier this week, with concerns that he had picked up an injury.

But fears of a detrimental blow were eased by Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag, who confirmed that the striker was in contention to feature against the struggling Toffees in the first phase of the club’s surge to clinch FA Cup glory.

Speaking to reporters (via the club's official website), he said:

“He’s available but it’s different.

"He came off but he didn’t play that much in the first half of the season so we have to bring him slowly back into 90 minutes."

Big opportunity 

The Everton contest represents a big opportunity and a big moment for Martial when concerning his career at United.

Transfer rumours hinting at a move for a striker lurk over Old Trafford like a cloud following the departure of legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo in November, who terminated his contract by mutual consent, and now the onus appears to be on finding a new talisman amid the January transfer window. 

Analyst Statman Dave called the Frenchman “rejuvenated” for his improvements made this term, following a disappointing 21/22 campaign. 

Last year, Martial made 11 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring one goal, before being loaned out to the La Liga with FC Sevilla, where he failed to make an impact and again found the net on just one occasion.

This term, his five goals and two assists from just seven starting displays across all competitions illustrate a marked improvement in form and confidence, and he is re-establishing himself as a major player at the Theatre of Dreams once again.

As per FBref, he ranks within the top 2% of forwards for pass completion, the top 15% for assists and the top 13% for dribbles completed when compared across Europe’s major leagues per 90 minutes. 

The 30-cap ace has a lot still to offer, and the layers to his game added this season will certainly do him justice when crying for further opportunities to flourish within Ten Hag’s United system.

Martial has a very good record against the Merseysiders too, having bagged seven times against them, ever since arriving from Monaco in 2015.

With Everton desperately floundering at the bottom of the Premier League and already falling out of the Carabao Cup after being thrashed by Bournemouth 4-1, the Frenchman will be confident in making his mark and adding to his growing collection of contributions in a season alluding to a fresh slate at Old Trafford.