UNITED V PSG Martial goes on the attack over Solskjaer
ANTHONY Martial says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is asking him to ‘attack more’ than former United manager Jose Mourinho.
The French forward embarked on a run of six Premier League goals in five games under Mourinho in October and November but his future at United was uncertain after he wanted to leave the club in the summer.
The 23-year-old signed a fiveyear contract last month and drew comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo by scoring a virtuoso solo goal in the weekend win at Fulham in the Premier League.
That goal all but confirmed a starting role for Martial in the round-of-16 Champions League first leg with Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford tonight.
Solskjaer has enhanced the majority of United players since he was appointed caretaker coach on December 19 and Martial has scored three times in the Norwegian’s 11 games.
Martial revealed he has more of an attacking license under the current United manager.
“He is asking me to attack more,” Martial said.
“That is my job after all. To make the difference, to be more decisive. Things are working out well for the other attackers and I hope we can continue to be as effective.
“We have got a coach who has different intentions [to the previous coach] and we are trying to do what we asks.
“Perhaps it is easier to play this style of football and not the style of football he asked.
“Obviously things are going really well, we are really happy to have him (Solskjaer) here and we hope we can continue but the final decision isn’t with us.
“When our new coach came in he had a lot of confidence, a lot of determination, that was really helpful. We are trying to pay him back in kind and things are working out well at the moment.”
Although Solskjaer endorsed the Ronaldo comparisons at the weekend, he has also urged Martial to score more scrappy goals.
Martial accepted it is an aspect of his game he can improve on.
“Yes, it is true he has often said that to me,” Martial added.
“And even previous managers have said that, you have to work on that. If I do manage to do that, get beyond the defence, I think I will score more goals.” Meanwhile, Martial has warned PSG Paul Pogba will produce a better performance against them than he did in the weekend win over Fulham. Pogba scored twice as United rose into the Premier League top four for the first time since the opening day of the season in their 3-0 victory at Craven Cottage. Pogba and Martial are developing a telepathic understanding on the left-hand side of the United attack and Martial believes he is collaborating with one of the standout midfielders in world football. “Paul is Paul,” Martial said. “We all know how much quality he’s got. He’s one of the best midfielders in the world, in my opinion. “He’s really showing it now. I think he’s going to do even better in the next game and that will be beneficial for us.” Solskjaer’s agent Jim Solbakken spoke with United co-chairman Avram Glazer and executive vice-