Martial was replaced on the hour mark (Picture: Getty)
Anthony Martial stormed down the tunnel after being replaced in Manchester United’s win over Bournemouth but later returned to the bench to join his teammates, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
The forward was handed another start on Saturday at the Vitality Stadium after getting on the score sheet in last weekend’s victory over Wolves.
Having taken the lead in the first-half through Casemiro’s superb acrobatic effort, United were pushing for a second goal to put the game to bed. Ten Hag however opted to take off Martial on the hour mark, with Wout Weghorst onto replace him.
The Frenchman was left with a bemused look on his face as his number came up, slowly leaving the pitch and heading straight down the tunnel.
Ten Hag was quick to play down the incident when quizzed post-match, however, telling talkSPORT his striker returned to the dugout to watch the remainder of the contest.
‘I think he played well, he returned to the bench, he’s OK,’ ten Hag said.
‘I think he just shot into the dressing room, I don’t know what you want to make from it.’
Martial was unable to follow up on last week’s goal against Wolves (Picture: Getty)
United are now on the brink of securing a top four finish ahead of arch-rivals Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a late draw against Aston Villa at the same time on Saturday afternoon, keeping the top four race alive but United now just need a single point from their final two games to confirm their place in next season’s Champions League.
United host Chelsea on Thursday before Fulham come to Old Trafford for the final game of the season next Sunday.
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Liverpool take on already relegated Southampton in their final game.
‘It was a fantastic goal from Casemiro, a brilliant finish,’ ten Hag said. ‘I was nervous at 1-0 because you can easily make a mistake and concede a goal. We had to win the game.
‘We are nearly there – in the top four – but we are not there. We need a win. I don’t care what happens in Liverpool, it’s about us. We have to do the job.’
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The Frenchman was not pleased with the decision to haul him off.
