Former England international Trevor Sinclair has questioned whether Anthony Martial even “enjoys football” after Manchester United lost to Sheffield United.
The two sides could not have gone into the game in more different situations. Man Utd were second in the league, while Sheff Utd were bottom.
However, it was the relegation-threatened side that beat the title challengers in one of the shocks of the season. Man Utd were never ahead, as their visitors went away from Old Trafford with a 2-1 win.
Several of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s players did not show their qualities, with striker Martial one of the worst culprits.
That’s according to former West Ham and Manchester City winger Sinclair, who criticised the Frenchman for not expressing himself on the pitch.
“I’m looking at what Anthony Martial has brought to the table,” Sinclair told talkSPORT. “Has he tried any take-ons today?
“As a winger or number nine you’ve got to have a go and try and express yourself.
“He doesn’t even look like he enjoys football!”
Martial had fewer touches than any of his outfield teammates in the game. He also only completed one of the four dribbles attempted and had just one shot.
The 25-year-old was United’s top scorer last season but this term only has two goals from 16 Premier League matches.
Solskjaer defends misfiring Martial
While Martial was one of the players who struggled most, Solskjaer did not think it was fair to single out players.
The manager admitted that the forward did not perform well, but still backs him to come good again soon.
“The whole team will probably get criticism tonight and myself as well,” Solskjaer conceded. “I don’t think Anthony is exempt from that. We should all be criticised because we didn’t perform.
“I know Antho, he’s working really hard in training, working on his finishing, working on his movement. So I’ve got no qualms that he’ll come good.”
Source: TeamTalk
