During Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle United, Erik Ten Hag was spotted having yet another heated conversation with Anthony Martial. The Frenchman got the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund for a tight contest at St James’ Park.
As Newcastle banged down the doors at United’s end, Antony Martial was unproductive in the first half. Ten Hag had had enough and was spotted berating Martial from the sidelines at one point.
The Frenchman has many times failed to monitor Fabian Schar, allowing the Newcastle defender to explode forward. Erik Ten Hag even ended up flailing his arms at Martial in rage.
Ten Hag was definitely trying to instill some fighting spirit in Martial. However, the forward failed to have an impact on the game, leaving him unhappy. However, Martial retaliated by throwing his arms up in defence.
Rasmus Hojlund ultimately took his spot on the hour mark. The striker has yet to play a full 90-minute game this season, and it doesn’t look like he will anytime soon.
Newcastle dominated for the most of the game, frequently outworking and outrunning a sluggish Manchester United. Martial’s performance reflected United’s whole performance, as they failed to establish any control in a noisy St James’ Park.
Rasmus Hojlund replaced the Frenchman but was unable to provide United with a genuine offensive outlet. Ten Hag will almost certainly be on the lookout for another new striker in January, desperate for any offensive energy to kickstart their season.
Much has already been written regarding Ten Hag’s feud with his players. Several players, most notably Jadon Sancho, have already left the club after falling out with Ten Hag. Raphael Varane is the most recent player to be shut out by the Dutchman.