Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has praised the performance of Anthony Martial despite the 3-1 defeat away at Arsenal.
Erik Ten Hag is desperate for some wins against the so-called ‘top’ Premier League teams but it just wasn’t to be in North London.
Marcus Rashford did fire United in front, only for Martin Odegaard to draw Arsenal level just moments later.
United couldn’t find a winner and were made to pay as Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus won it for the Gunners.
That’s two away defeats already this season for United and Ten Hag must find and answer to these woes on the road.
Erik ten Hag praises Anthony Martial performance
There isn’t really a lot for United fans to shout about tonight, but Ten Hag did like the performance of striker Anthony Martial.
The Frenchman was named as United’s starting striker despite social media rumours surrounding a potential injury before the game.
Martial’s numbers don’t look all that impressive; one shot, which was on target, one key pass, one aerial won and just 18 touches of the ball.
It’s hard to say that Martial looked like a huge threat and it felt like the introduction of Rasmus Hojlund gave United a lift.
Still, Ten Hag found enough in Martial’s performance to praise the Frenchman whilst speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle.
“I think Anthony Martial, a very good performance, so I was pleased,” said Ten Hag.
Rasmus Hojlund will overtake Martial soon enough
Martial is starting for United at the moment but for how long?
Marcus Rashford started the season up top but it’s clear that he is better of playing down the left flank.
New signing Hojlund has been coming back from an injury, so Martial has felt somewhat like a placeholder under Hojlund is fully fit.
The Dane was busy off the bench against Arsenal and with the international break upon us, Hojlund will be getting up to speed ahead of United’s Premier League return.
Nobody would be all that surprised if Martial was on the bench against Brighton and Hove Albion with Hojlund starting, but Ten Hag seems to have seen something he liked.
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