Scoring a goal against arch-rivals Liverpool instantly puts a player in the good books of Manchester United fans, but scoring one on your debut makes you an instant hero.
Anthony Martial, when he signed for Manchester United in 2015, scored on his debut and is a fan-favourite among the Old Trafford faithful.
It seems like current Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, does not echo the sentiment of the fans, as per Daily Mail.
Martial is said to have infuriated the Red Devils manager, thanks to his lackadaisical attitude on the pitch in recent times.
Solskjaer criticised Martial for his warm-up routine ahead of United’s all-important clash against Chelsea. United fans also spotted Martial moving slowly in the warm-up and took to social media to voice their frustration against the talented attacker.
The Daily Mail report further states that Solskjaer was unimpressed by Martial’s attitude despite giving him a few days off to return to France. Solskjaer and assistant Mike Phelan are displeased about Martial’s attitude after the Frenchman signed a new contract in January.
What should Solskjaer do with Martial?
Manchester United announced in January that the Frenchman had signed a new deal which will keep him at the club till 2024. It is unlikely that the United board would allow a player who has recently signed a deal to leave the club, that too a talented young player like Martial.
In his 173 appearances for the club since signing in 2015, Martial has scored 48 goals for the club, establishing himself as a firm fan favourite. But his very relaxed and laidback demeanour has infuriated some fans, as well as the current manager, who believes that he should show more enthusiasm in his game.
With the future of players like Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku uncertain, and Alexis Sanchez set to leave the club, it would be unwise of Manchester United to let go of another attacking player in the same transfer window.
Solskjaer should perhaps drill it into Martial on what it means to play for a club like Manchester United and also demand more from the player on the pitch. Martial needs an arm around his shoulder and a father figure that can guide him; it’s easy to forget that he is still just 23 years of age and has a bright future ahead of him.
A fantastic finisher with great close control and dribbling skills, Martial has the technique and the talent to be a Manchester United great, but time is, perhaps, running out for the Frenchman at Old Trafford.
