Erik ten Hag explains Anthony Martial dispute during defeat to Newcastle United

Add as preferred source on Google

Erik ten Hag has explained the dispute he had with Anthony Martial midway through Manchester United’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United.

Anthony Gordon struck for Newcastle United midway through the first half but Erik ten Hag’s side had no retort to this and once again failed to score against the Magpies.

It is now three straight defeats against Newcastle in all competitions under Ten Hag and the Red Devils have failed to score in all three of these losses.

One issue throughout the game was United’s lack of attacking intent with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, in particular, really struggling to get involved in the game and offer the Red Devils an outlet.

Martial’s struggles

During the first half, the French forward, who was starting ahead of United’s big-money signing Rasmus Hojlund, was pretty much anonymous.

This drew the ire of Ten Hag as the Dutchman stormed down the technical area from his seat and began berating the former AS Monaco forward.

Martial, perhaps surprisingly, began biting back at Ten Hag and the former Ajax boss was asked about the fallout with the Frenchman.

“It’s not about Anthony Martial, I don’t go into individual performances,” he claimed, according to 90min. “I tried to energise the team and tried to get a reaction. We had a tough period and your coaching is a little bit more aggressive – that’s normal.”

Hojlund needed

Despite the Danish forward struggling to get involved in the game when he came off the bench, Hojlund has to start Wednesday’s vital game against Chelsea.

The 20-year-old remains without a goal in the Premier League this season but Hojlund, despite this, always gives his all for the team and presses with intensity.

Martial, despite his good performance against Everton at Goodison Park last Sunday, just does not look to be at the level required to play as a striker for the Red Devils.

He has to be back on the bench for United’s crucial month otherwise, the Red Devils may well struggle for attacking consistency.