Martial law
French forward not likely to feature in Manchester derby
TOMORROW
Ais doubtful for Sunday’s (1.30am Malaysian time) derby against Manchester City, with Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirming the striker would be out for “a little while”. The Frenchman missed yesterday’s 2-1 victory against Tottenham, in which his strike partner Marcus Rashford scored twice in his absence.
Martial was substituted in the 82nd minute during Sunday’s draw against Aston Villa and Solskjaer confirmed he didn’t know whether Martial would be fit for Sunday’s match at the Etihad.
“Anthony got a slight injury so he’ll be out for a little while,” Solskjaer said after yesterday victory against Spurs.
“Of course, you want to have your first XI all the time. I’ve been able to do that once against Chelsea, maybe Wolves but it’s a squad game. With the injuries we’ve had it’s made it hard for us.”
Youth academy product Mason Greenwood led the line against Spurs, and the 18-year-old is in contention to start against Pep Guardiola’s side at the weekend.
Solskjaer urged Greenwood to take his chance in the starting XI, after biding his time in cup competitions.
“That’s what he’s been hoping for, waiting for, working hard, taking his chances in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, he’s played really well.”
Solskjaer also branded Scott McTominay “undroppable” after the midfielder’s performance against Tottenham.
McTominay missed three games through injury but made himself available to face Spurs after completing just one training session 24 hours before kickoff.
“You can almost say he is undroppable at the moment,“said Solskjaer.
“The physical presence he gives us, the leadership he gives us in midfield, he also releases Fred.
“He trained yesterday (Tuesday) and that was just a light session with the reserves but he’s a tough boy.
“There was no chance he was going to say ‘no thanks’ if he felt OK.
“It’s probably the first time I’ve really really pushed players that haven’t had the foundation but he’s so fit anyway.”
Solskjaer also lauded the impact of goalscorer Rashford, saying: “The boy is 22 and he played like he was in his back yard or playground with his mates,“said Solskjaer.
“He’s played all the games, more or less this season. The boy is getting fitter and fitter, more and more experienced. What a performance. Two goals, he creates them himself, he should have had two more, bur for great saves by the keeper.”
With some questioning Solskjaer after the club’s worst start to a season since 1988-89, the win was a major boost for the Norwegian.
“The three points are massive for us. We’ve had too many draws this season and given too many points away from winning positions,” Solskjaer said.
“We’ve made decisions that we had to and we’re looking to build this club to be better again and I can’t think short-term when I’m trying to do that,” he said.
“When we turn the corner and win three or four games on the run, they will get that Man
United feeling again.” – Daily
Star/Agencies