Erik ten Hag has voiced his support for Anthony Martial after the forward received heavy criticism over his performance in the 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.
The Frenchman started his second consecutive Premier League game since August due to Rasmus Hojlund’s brief hamstring injury, leading the line at St. James’ Park with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford deployed on either side of him.
He played for 61 minutes, throughout which he offered little to nothing in terms of attacking threat or even tracking back to aid his defence, and was ultimately unable to add to his two league goals for the season.
Martial then became one of numerous Manchester United players to be lamented by fans and pundits for his dismal showing; Roy Keane had a passionate rant about the state of the club on Monday Night Football, saying: “We mention Martial… we forgive Martial because he scores a goal every 14 years.
“But let me tell you when at Newcastle under pressure, we get that ball into you, you better get hold of that ball to get us up the pitch and a bit of breathing space. He’s touching balls off and gives the ball away cheaply. You may as well go down the leagues.”
Ten Hag backs Martial
Ten Hag, who was spotted on the touchline in an animated back-and-forth with Martial during the game, has backed his player after a reporter claimed he was ‘not trying’.
“But Anthony Martial played brilliant against Everton and I don’t think it is fair to point to one player…” the manager responded, via ManUtd.com.
