MANCHESTER UNITED fans have hailed “genius” Erik ten Hag after Anthony Martial shined against Sevilla.
The striker made just his tenth start of the season against the LaLiga side.
But he was deployed in a slightly different role by Ten Hag, operating as a false nine and coming deep to collect the ball.
That allowed team-mates such as Antony, Jadon Sancho and Marcel Sabitzer to make advanced runs, wreaking havoc on the Sevilla backline.
In the build-up to United’s second goal Martial dropped deep to receive the ball, advanced with the ball and took on a defender before picking out Sabitzer with a delightful ball over the top of the defence.
The midfielder scored to add his second of the match and left United fans purring with Ten Hag’s astute tactics.
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Many praised the Dutchman for starting Martial as a false nine, when he could have been tempted to play the Frenchman out wide given Marcus Rashford’s injury.
Instead Ten Hag picked Martial to play the lone striker role instead of Wout Weghorst, and fans praised the decision.
One said: “Ten Hag is a genius. Bruno deep, Martial false 9 and Sabitzer up top. Mental tactics.”
Another added: “Martial making football look so easy, Sabitzer? sign him ! Ten hag is the best! 💪”
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A third said: “Martial has been Ten Hag’s missing link.”
Ten Hag is a big fan of the forward and is confident he will continue to score goals as long as he stays fit.
He said: “When he’s [Martial] on the pitch, he will score, he will link up, do good, but yeah, keep fit and when he’s fit, he’s massive for us.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
