As Erik ten Hag’s tailor discovered a year ago, it typically takes something quite extraordinary to make Simon Jordan grin, but Anthony Martial’s impact off the bench at the Allianz Arena succeeded in doing so.
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Martial, one of the few shining lights during Manchester United’s third straight loss in all competitions, put on a display that suggested that rumours of his demise may have been a little overblown. The much-maligned Frenchman’s body is being held together by elastic bands and bluetack.
The team’s worst stretch of results since 2009.
Anthony Martial stands out despite Manchester United’s defeat
Jordan, the former chairman of Crystal Palace, says about Anthony Martial: “I’ll tell you who I thought as pretty brilliant when he came on.
He has razor-sharp reflexes. He seemed animated.
Ten Hag was disappointed to learn that, with the exception of Rasmus Hojlund and Sergio Reguilon, not all of Martial’s teammates could be similarly characterised. United fans will be counting down the days until Sofyan Amrabat returns from injury after seeing Casemiro, who was so brashly brilliant in his rookie season, waltz back as Serge Gnabry hammered Bayern into a 2-0 lead. Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen, 31, looked about as athletic as a man waiting for his free bus pass.
Jordan reflects, “There doesn’t seem to be the desire,” agreeing with Rio Ferdinand that Bayern sliced through United far too quickly. The only thing you can do is make it difficult, nasty, and inconvenient with your body, but they don’t appear to be able to accomplish that.
“This football club’s culture”
Jordan believes that Jadon Sancho, who was kicked out of the first squad following a very public argument with Ten Hag, is unwittingly becoming a poster boy for the culture issues at Old Trafford. Jordan still supports United to advance out of the group that also includes Galatasaray and Copenhagen.
“It remains a part of this football club’s culture. Sancho believing he has the right to criticise the manager embodies the culture, Jordan continues. “That entire culture demonstrates why United still has trouble.
“I don’t anticipate that United won’t advance from this group or have a respectable league showing. They are a competitive team, although they are not very strong. And I’m not sure if Ten Hag can make it right.
“This side is not getting any closer to regaining the pomp and ceremony of what United once had.”
