Erik ten Hag did not hold back his frustration at Manchester United No.9 Anthony Martial's abject performance against Newcastle.
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Ten Hag seen shouting at Martial from touchlineFrenchman replaced by Hojlund after 60 minutesTime running out for Martial at Old TraffordGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The United boss cut a visibly-irritated figure on the touchline as he flailed his arms in the direction of his striker. Ten Hag, who was clearly attempting to rouse some fighting spirit from Martial, was left disappointed as the forward failed to impose himself on the game. He was eventually replaced by Rasmus Hojlund on the hour mark.
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The incident in question occurred during the first half. Martial bit back at his manager after being criticised, with TNT Sports pundit Jermaine Jenas claiming that the disagreement speaks to the current atmosphere at Old Trafford. "This seems to be the culture at the moment. A lot of arms raising, a lot of blaming one another and no cohesiveness," Jenas said during the interval.
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Newcastle overwhelmed their opponents for the majority of the game – often outworking and outrunning a tepid Manchester United. Martial's performance typified the United performance as a whole as they struggled to assert any control in a boisterous St James' Park. The striker is yet to complete a full 90 minutes this season and it does not appear that he will any time soon. £72 million ($91.4m) Rasmus Hojlund replaced the Frenchman but was also unable to offer United any real attacking outlet. Desperate for any attacking verve to spark their season into life, Ten Hag will likely be on the hunt for another new striker in January.
WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG AND MARTIAL?
Lots has been documented already about Ten Hag falling out with his players, however few can blame him for losing his temper at Martial. The Frenchman's naturally-languid style does not help, but it is hard to imagine Martial will be in Manchester much longer. Ten Hag needs a result against Chelsea on Wednesday to keep the pressure on his own back at bay.