Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Anthony Martial despite a poor showing in the Carabao Cup against West Ham United.
Speaking to the media, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has offered his verdict on Anthony Martial after Manchester United’s shocking defeat to West Ham United in the Carabao Cup this midweek. The manager has appeared reluctant to criticise the forward and insists he will improve as time goes on.
Martial was a subject of major criticism from fans following a disastrous performance in Manchester United’s midweek defeat, with many calling for his departure after struggling to make any impact going forward.
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani already in the squad, the pressure is growing on Anthony Martial to perform if he is to establish himself as a key player for Manchester United. Unfortunately, it has not been the case so far, with the attacker notably mustering only 99 minutes of league action.
The midweek game against West Ham was the only match which Martial had started this season. But his woeful performance has now left his future hanging on the balance, as the Red Devils attack continue to evolve.
However, Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Martial when asked about him in the post-match presser. As quoted by Manchester Evening News, the Norwegian acknowledged the player’s poor performance but has refused to make it all about him, criticising the entire team instead.
“I don’t think it’s right to go into individual performances,” Solskjaer said. “Antho was the same as the rest of the team: we played some nice football, we lacked some of that cutting edge and he knows what we want from him. He’ll keep working and get his chances.”
“It was a poor start and then when we decided that we wanted to join the game we played some good football,” Solskjaer explained. “Loads of shots, loads of pressure, very good attitude, but we lacked that [cutting edge], definitely,” he added.
Formerly of AS Monaco, Martial’s current contract at Old Trafford expires in 2024. It is apparent that Cavani will leave the club at the end of the season, but it appears Manchester United are already preparing for life without Martial as well, having been linked with a move for Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona next summer.
