OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is showing more faith in Anthony Martial than most Manchester United fans ever would.
The majority would have expected Mason Greenwood to start against Newcastle after signing his new deal in midweek and impressing against Real Sociedad.
Anthony Martial took a long time to get going against NewcastleCredit: EPA
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was left wanting more of his strikerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But with Edinson Cavani out injured, Solskjaer gave the nod to the French forward for what should have been a routine night against the struggling Toon.
Martial came off the bench to score twice in the 9-0 win over Southampton earlier this month.
His last goal before that was the opener against Aston Villa on New Year’s Day – but he has scored only four goals in 20 league appearances this season.
Last Sunday in the desperately disappointing draw at West Brom, he was hauled off in the second-half and then on the bench for the Europa League tie with Sociedad.
So this was another chance for him to repay the manager’s faith – but in the first-half the game completely passed him by.
A moment towards the break when he failed to control a promising pass from Nemanja Matic summed up his evening.
While Greenwood and Daniel James – who also started – might be classed as a bit raw, at least you know you will get maximum effort from them.
You had to question whether Martial gave that in an opening 45 minutes where he offered next to nothing to a below par United performance.
Martial had the fewest touches of any of Manchester United’s starters on SundayCredit: Reuters
Daniel James made his starting spot count with the winning goalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But he was sent back out for the second-half – although the fact Greenwood was warming up right from the whistle should have been a warning.
“Some movement Anto” shouted Solskjaer from the sidelines soon after the restart. “Start moving”.
He did but he mis-controlled another pass and then drifted out wide – without making much attempt to get back in the middle – meaning a promising move broke down.
His minutes were probably numbered until James restored United’s lead just before the hour mark – giving United something of a reprieve.
Finally that seemed to bring the forward to life as he gave a glimpse of what he can do – weaving through the Toon defence before stinging the gloves of Karl Darlow with a vicious drive.
It’s a real source of frustration for United that he can produce moments like that – but does so infrequently.
And midway through the second half, his underwhelming night was over and it came as no surprise when he was replaced by Greenwood.
United are still going on three fronts this season and are going to need Martial – if only to give the other guys a rest. They are going to need more than this.
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As BBC 5 Live pundit Stephen Warnock said before kick-off: “If you want to take your club to the next level then Martial won’t give you that. Personally that’s how I feel.
“You need a striker that is going to perform at the level of Bruno Fernandes where you know you’re going to get a seven or eight out of 10 every game.
“Martial can give you a three or four at times and I’m thinking that’s not good enough for Manchester United to really push for titles.”
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Red Devils push Toon closer to drop zone after Manchester United vs Newcastle
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
