Anthony Martial stormed down the tunnel after being replaced in Manchester United’s victory over Bournemouth but returned to the bench to join his teammates, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
The United star was handed another start on Saturday after getting on the score sheet in last weekend’s win over Wolves.
Having taken the lead in the first-half through Casemiro’s incredible acrobatic effort, United were pushing for a second goal to totally put the game to bed.
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Ten Hag however chose to take off Martial on the hour mark, with Wout Weghorst onto replace him in the game.
The Frenchman was left with a bemused look on his face as his number came up, leaving the pitch and heading straight down the tunnel.
Ten Hag was quick to play down the incident when asked after the match, however, telling talkSPORT his striker returned to the dugout to watch the rest 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.’
Manchester United are now on the brink of securing a top four finish ahead of Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side secured a draw against Aston Villa at the same time on Saturday, keeping the top four race alive but United need a single point from their last two matches to confirm their place in next season’s Champions League.
United host Chelsea on Thursday before Fulham come to Old Trafford for the last game of the campaign next Sunday. Liverpool take on 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.’
