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Manchester United's Anthony Martial misses Norwich clash after pulling up injured in warm-up

Manchester United's Anthony Martial warms up
Image: Anthony Martial was injured in the warm-up at Carrow Road

Anthony Martial missed Manchester United's vital trip to Norwich after suffering an injury in the warm-up.

Martial was named in Louis van Gaal's starting line-up but turned back down the tunnel with a hamstring problem and was replaced by Ander Herrera for the 1-0 win at Carrow Road.

Any lay-off for their top scorer would be a major blow for Van Gaal's side, who are still hopeful of a top-four finish and have an FA Cup final date later this month which provides the the chance of a first piece of major silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down.

Louis van Gaal basked in the sunshine ahead of Manchester United's clash with Norwich City
Image: Louis van Gaal did not want to risk Martial in the heat at Norwich

"Anthony felt something and I'm a manager who is not taking risks," van Gaal told MUTV. "Especially not in his situation and I said this to Anthony because he has played most of all the matches, like Daley Blind and Chris Smalling.

"He is 20 years old. I have to take care of him so he didn't play and Wayne had to play the striker's position. He gave an assist to Juan Mata and it has been solved very well.

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"When a player says he feels something, he shall not play. I think you have to be fit - especially in this weather as that is a big difference. We have to see on Sunday if the muscle is tight."

United's injury worries continued after kick-off as Matteo Darmian was forced off inside the opening 15 minutes clutching his ankle, before being replaced by Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.

Van Gaal confirmed the Italy international, who was injured attempt to halt Ivo Pinto, will be assessed.

"We have to wait and see," Van Gaal added. "Darmian has a kick on the ankle so we will have to see the reaction tomorrow (Sunday).

"It is too early to say. Now he is walking in a brace but, tomorrow, it can be good again because a kick is a kick."

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