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Three separate injuries this season have meant that Martial has
been restricted to six appearances in all competitions, but he
has still netted four goals with two assists so far.
Martial, 26, made a scoring return to the starting lineup in
United's 4-2 League Cup win over Aston Villa on Thursday and was
withdrawn just after the hour mark as a precaution.
"Definitely. I like a player like Anthony," Ten Hag told
reporters on Friday when asked if keeping Martial fit was key.
"He can hold the ball, he is a target, he can run behind, he can
finish and he is a good presser.
"He plays very well in a lot of aspects of football and I am
happy with that. I'm happy with everything except his
availability."
United, fifth in league with 23 points, have managed only 18
goals in 13 games with limited options up front.
Martial has been sidelined by issues with his hamstring,
Achilles and, most recently, his back, and Ten Hag said the club
was trying to understand why he continues to be injury-prone.
"Of course we analyse that, what we can do to change that," said
the Dutchman. "We made some measures to do that as it is always
when you are often injured – illnesses too – there is a reason,
but sometimes it is also bad luck.
"I am happy he is back and that we can manage him and that he
stays fit, because he is an important part of the squad."
Ten Hag added that Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed the Villa match
through illness, could return to the squad for Sunday's trip to
ninth-placed Fulham.
Antony has missed United's last four games with a muscular
injury and was due to be assessed after their training session
later on Friday, but Ten Hag said the Brazil winger will not
miss the World Cup, which begins next week.
(Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken
Ferris)
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