Van Gaal Explains Martial Withdrawal

Louis van Gaal has explained why Manchester United striker Anthony Martial was not risked in the 1-0 success at relegation-haunted Norwich City.

The France international pulled up during the warm-up before kick-off in a repeat of the situation that led to Marcus Rashford gaining his big break in the Europa League tie against Midtjylland at Old Trafford back in February. However, as Rashford was rested and not in the squad, skipper Wayne Rooney moved up front with Ander Herrera taking his place in midfield.

"Anthony felt something and I'm a manager who is not taking risks," van Gaal told MUTV. "Especially not in his situation and I said this to Anthony because he has played most of all the matches, like Daley Blind and Chris Smalling.

"He is 20 years old. I have to take care of him so he didn't play and Wayne had to play the striker's position. He gave an assist to Juan Mata and it has been solved very well."

Van Gaal added: "When a player says he feels something, he shall not play. I think you have to be fit - especially in this weather as that is a big difference. We have to see tomorrow (Sunday) if the muscle is tight."

With a trip to West Ham United on Tuesday, a last-day game against Bournemouth and the FA Cup final with Crystal Palace still to come, everybody associated with the club will be wishing Martial a speedy recovery.