Erik Ten Hag would have probably sketched a picture of Manchester United’s current situation at Old Trafford if you had asked him during the preseason what a disastrous start would look like in the Premier League this season.
The Red Devils have just been unable to get going, which has led to losses to both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal as well as unimpressive wins over Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Spending is also not an acceptable defense. Seven new players, including Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana, were added to the Premier League’s heavyweights throughout the course of the summer. However, even with their additions, United still somehow doesn’t appear like the team that took third place and won the Carabao Cup the previous year.
They have drawn criticism for their poor play, especially from former defender Paul Parker, who singled out one underperforming player in particular.
What was said by Paul Parker?
This season, Anthony Martial is one guy who hasn’t had much of an impact. Despite playing three Premier League games as new acquisition Rasmus Hojlund regains his health, the Frenchman has failed to score or provide an assist.
Parker was forthright about Martial’s troubles, telling Spilxperten, via The Express: “If he (Hojlund) doesn’t start against Brighton, then all fans would want Erik ten Hag dismissed, and it would nearly be deserved. Starting him off on the bench would be absurd.
“Martial shouldn’t even be sitting on the sidelines. 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.
“I honestly disagree that Hojlund’s performance versus Arsenal should not be judged based on his playing time. You most certainly can, as his replacement had a significant impact.
“It was the best thing that could happen to him, that he had to replace Martial because he knew he couldn’t do worse than him. When he came on the pitch, he used his physique and pushed Gabriel, almost sending him flying out of Emirates. Martial has never done that. He just lies down on the ground and cries.”
“He ran deep with his tremendous speed, something Martial has never done either. Martial is like a greyhound because a greyhound never runs past the hare, and that’s how Martial is.”
Ten Hag should shelve Anthony Martial.
The controversial Ballon d’Or provision in Martial’s contract has once again proven to be a poor reflection of how poorly things have turned out for the forward at Old Trafford with each passing year. After some time, it has merely evolved into a stick to make fun of the Red Devils.
Martial’s stint in Ten Hag’s starting lineup should end with the addition of Hojlund, though, since United reportedly paid £72 million for the forward.
The Red Devils’ upcoming matchup against Brighton & Hove Albion, who just easily defeated Newcastle United, makes it crucial for Ten Hag to make the proper selections.
Everyone near Old Trafford will undoubtedly want to see the club’s new striker start his first game.