Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag played down suggestions of a rift with Anthony Martial following the forward's angry reaction to being substituted at Bournemouth on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was selected to lead the line against the Cherries in the Premier League at the Vitality Stadium, but he found it difficult to make his mark and was replaced just before the hour mark.
Martial looked frustrated when he was substituted and headed straight down the tunnel rather than taking his position on the bench alongside his teammates.
The France international did later return to the bench, though, and Ten Hag said that he has no issue with the forward's conduct when asked about the situation.
"I think he played well, he returned to the bench, he's ok. I think he just shot into the dressing room, I don't know what you want to make from it," Ten Hag told talkSPORT after the match.
© Reuters
Martial has had his fitness problems this season but has still managed to contribute eight goals and three assists in 27 appearances in all competitions.
The attacker has netted five times in the Premier League, although he has only scored twice in England's top flight since returning from injury at the start of April.
Man United are expected to move for two new forwards this summer, with Martial being tipped to depart, and his contract at Old Trafford is due to expire in June 2024.
The Red Devils secured all three points against Bournemouth on Saturday courtesy of an acrobatic effort from Casemiro in the first half of the contest, and the team only need one point from their final two league games against Chelsea and Fulham to secure a top-four spot in the Premier League table.
© Reuters
"It's a final on Thursday and I hope all the fans are ready for it because we want to get that done on Thursday. We therefore need another good performance and that will not be easy," Ten Hag added on Saturday.
"You have to be ready, you have to be on the front foot, you have to be at the highest energy levels. You need to focus. And then it's possible. We know that we are strong, especially at Old Trafford."
The Man United head coach also paid tribute to Bournemouth following the clash at the Vitality Stadium.
"When you are already safe [from relegation] two games before the end of the season, then you have done a really good job because the Premier League is really tough, it's really strong," he said.
"All the teams are very strong. So if you save yourself two games from the end, I think it's a big reward. Big credit to the manager, his coaching staff and the team."
Man United will host Chelsea on Thursday before welcoming Fulham next Sunday, and their attention will then switch to the final of the FA Cup against bitter rivals Manchester City.
Matt Law
