Anthony Martial’s response to Roy Keane’s game and four more things he noticed at Man United training

Anthony Martial has been spotted training again ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup final. Manchester United take on Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon knowing a win could keep Erik ten Hag in charge.

The Red Devils head into the clash after a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Amex Stadium on the final weekend of the Premier League season. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed a 3-1 victory over West Ham at the Etihad, defending their title as English champions for the fourth successive campaign.

While City will be hoping to get their hands on another piece of silverware, United will be looking for revenge. In last year’s FA Cup final, the Red Devils suffered a 2-1 defeat to their local rivals, with Ilkay Gundogan finding the opener in record time.

ALSO READ: Pochettino favorite to become United’s next manager

ALSO READ: What Pochettino said after missing out on the United job speaks volumes

So before what is shaping up to be a fiery showdown, Manchester Evening News took a look at took a look at five things that stood out in the latest collection of training footage ahead of the FA Cup final.

Martial returns after Keane and Rooney shake off

Martial was seen back in action at Carrington after some digs from Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney. Speaking on Sky Sports last week, the Irishman said: “If you’re injured all the time, you’re no good to anyone. Okay, every club will have a few injuries.

“But there are certain players in that group that you refer to as ‘they’re always injured’. You can’t rely on these players to come week in week out and play for Man United.”

Singing from a similar hymn sheet, Rooney replied: “He’s like Martial for example, I’ve played with him. He is a very nice guy. But where was it? I can’t remember the last time I saw him. play. Those with him?”

Keane added: “At least his contract is up. At least that’s a plus, you say “listen, go.” But again it won’t be easy (rebuilding). It’s all well and good that we’re here. going “must go”. The reality is that it will be very difficult.”

Should he get the chance to take to the pitch on Saturday, Martial will no doubt be hoping to prove both former United players wrong. The forward appeared unfazed by the comments during the session and his efforts in training suggested he could be set for a final swansong.

Fernandes pulls the strings

Bruno Fernandes was the only player seen wearing a blue jumpsuit, while everyone else wore yellow or orange. This could suggest that the midfielder was the designated “magic man” as part of a larger session.

The “magic man” is someone who plays for the team in possession during a rondo or small face game. By including this role, players are encouraged to transition and move while also preparing for transitions and transformations.

Ten Hag gave a huge boost

Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have been spotted in training, which is a huge boost for the Ten Hag. With two strong centre-half options available, Manchester United have a much better chance against Manchester City, who will be looking to pepper Andre Onana’s scoring with shots.

Mount and Hojlund talk

Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund were seen enjoying a chat as they headed to practice. Neither started the 2-0 win over Brighton, although Hojlund came on and scored a goal in the dying stages of the game.

Perhaps the pair were discussing how they plan to break down and long to open up Manchester City’s back line. Fans will be hoping that if they turn up at Wembley, the duo are fresh and ready for the challenge of trying to win the cup.

Onana prepares for the Haaland storm

Andre Onana has faced plenty of knocks in training as he prepares to face Erling Haaland this weekend. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has played 50 times for Manchester United in all competitions this season, keeping 13 clean sheets.

The Cameroon international has been a key player for United this season following his £47.2m arrival from Inter Milan last summer. Onana faced City in the Champions League final for his former side last season, so the goalkeeper has a point to prove on Saturday.

Despite his best efforts, the Red Devils have struggled to keep the ball out of the net on more than one occasion this season. But United will need a strong defensive display if they are to beat the odds and end the season on a high against City.

With Martinez and Varane back in action, Onana will be hoping for a steely performance from their backline on Saturday.