I LIKE YOUR STYLE, OLE
Rejuvenated Martial loves going gung-ho for Gunnar’s raiders rather than tracking back for Mourinho
ANTHONY MARTIAL has admitted it is easier to play for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer than for Jose Mourinho.
Martial fell foul of former United boss Mourinho, who was willing to offload the France forward last summer after losing faith in him.
But since the pragmatic Mourinho was sacked in December, Martial has flourished.
Solskjaer’s attacking approach has certainly brought out the best in the
Reds’ forward line. “We’ve got a coach who has different intentions and we’re trying to do what he asks,” said Martial.
“Perhaps it’s easier to play this style of football and not the style of football that Mourinho asked for.
“The new manager is asking me to attack more. That’s my job, after all. To make the difference and to be more decisive.
“Things are working out well for the other attackers, too, and I hope we can continue to be as effective
“When our new coach
came in, he had a lot of confidence, a lot of determination and that was really helpful.
“We’re trying to pay him back and things are working out well at the moment. We hope they will against Paris Saintgermain as well.”
Martial showed just how much he is relishing playing for the new regime by putting in a superb display in United’s 3-0 win at Fulham on Saturday, which included a sublime solo goal and an assist for team-mate Paul Pogba to plunder the opener. Martial, Pogba (below) and Marcus Rashford are three players who have been transformed by caretaker boss Solskjaer’s arrival, with the squad keen for the former United striker to get the job full-time at the end of the season. “Obviously things are going really well, we’re really happy to have him here and we hope we can continue,” said Martial. “But the final decision isn’t with us.”
Martial has 11 goals this season, six shy of his best haul for the club, scored in his debut campaign in 201516 under Louis van Gaal.
Solskjaer has challenged his 23-year-old striker to become a 20-goal-a-season man. Martial is confident he can reach that figure this term, and vindicate the Norwegian’s belief in him.
“Yes it’s true, the manager has often said that to me and even previous managers have said that you have to work on your finishing,” said Martial. “If I do manage to get beyond the defence, now I think I will score more goals.” With £198million superstar Neymar and fellow striker Edison Cavani both out for PSG tonight, United have a chance to establish a first-leg lead.
Against that backdrop, bookies have made United favourites to win tonight, but Martial added: “No, I don’t think we’re necessarily favourites.
“They have a few absentees and that should be to our advantage, but they have very good players to come in.”