Explained: Why Anthony Martial left Man Utd training after just five minutes as £72m striker Rasmus Hojlund prepares to lead the line for Red Devils

Having arrived at Carrington at 8:56am, the France international forward was seen departing again just after 9am. Erik ten Hag’s squad had been due in at that time during their previous session on Tuesday, but the schedule has been tinkered with since then.

As a result, the Manchester Evening News reports that Martial only spent five minutes on site as he was informed that training would not take place until 12:30pm. The rest of the Red Devils began arriving for that session at 11:30am.

It remains to be seen whether Martial will have a leading role to play for United in their Premier League meeting with Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday. He has started the club’s last two games, but questions continue to be asked of his value to the collective cause.

Martial was not moved on during the summer transfer window, but United did spend £72 million ($90m) on Denmark international striker Rasmus Hojlund and it is he – fresh from making his debut off the bench away at Arsenal last time out – that is expected to lead the line for the Red Devils heading forward.