When the international break concludes, Erik Ten Hag should be fired, according to former Manchester United defender Paul Parker, if he chooses Anthony Martial over Rasmus Hojlund.
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After recuperating from a back ailment, Hojlund, a new £72 million summer acquisition from Atalanta, made his United debut off the bench in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal last weekend. Parker was pleased with the 20-year-old’s brief appearance after Ten Hag substituted him for Martial in the 67th minute.
The two-time Premier League champion thinks Hojlund merits getting off to a good start for United when they visit Brighton at Old Trafford on September 16 after the break. Parker also thinks that the Glazers “would almost be justified” in firing the manager if Ten Hag choose Martial over Hojlund.
“If he doesn’t start against Brighton, then all fans will want Erik ten Hag fired, and it would almost be justified,” he said to SpilXperten. If he began the game on the bench, it would be absurd.
Even the bench should not be home to Martial. Hojlund can play as the first striker if there is a younger man on the bench who is superior. It is a blessing that Manchester United finally has an attacker who plays with enthusiasm because all Manchester United supporters are tired of watching a player with a bad attitude who always mopes and complains.
Parker noted that Hojlund’s quickness and physicality “made a huge difference” during his brief stint against Arsenal. “I actually don’t agree that you can’t already judge Rasmus Hojlund based on the minutes he had against Arsenal,” he continued.
“You can, without a doubt, as his replacement had a significant impact. He knew he couldn’t perform worse than Martial, so having to replace him was the best thing that could have happened to him.
“When he entered the pitch, he pushed Gabriel with his body, nearly sending him flying out of Emirates. It’s never been done by Martial. He simply slumps on the ground and sobs.
“With his incredible speed, he ran deep, something Martial has also never done. Martial is like a greyhound because he never skips the hare, just like a greyhound does.
Gary Neville, a fellow former United defender, expressed his admiration for Hojlund’s debut on Sky Sports, saying, “Manchester United has not got a striker they can hit. Although Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford aren’t your typical target men, Ronaldo wasn’t either, and it appears that he will cause trouble for others. The fact that he is still learning the game is a plus.
