Manchester United legend Roy Keane was unimpressed with Anthony Martial against Arsenal.
It felt like a last reprieve for Anthony Martial against Arsenal, with Rasmus Hojlund waiting in the wings to take over. Could this spur him on to raise his game?
Well, we have seen over the years that Anthony Martial does not respond well to competition. But at present, he doesn’t seem to respond to much at all.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is still trying to drag a good performance out of him, selecting him as a starter against the Gunners.
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Ten Hag compliments Martial
Erik ten Hag has turned to flattery to praise Anthony Martial, perhaps hoping he can lift his spirits, and then his game.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, he said: “I think Anthony Martial, a very good performance, so I was pleased.”
It was a bizarre assessment, and one which Manchester United legend Roy Keane did not share.
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Keane on Martial
Speaking to Sky’s post-game coverage, Keane said: “Look at Martial, the manager praised him, I don’t think he had a kick. He didn’t do too much.”
Martial was largely anonymous. He had one shot early in the second half, which was saved, and that was as close as he came.
When United signed Martial, he was a ruthless finisher. Now that side of his game has deserted him.
Rasmus Hojlund is the new show in town, and if the Dane is fully fit for United’s next game, he will be the starter.