Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Reveals Why Anthony Martial Has Struggled in Recent Weeks

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has offered his support to misfiring striker Anthony Martial, who he claims is simply struggling with fatigue.

The Frenchman has managed just two goals in his late eight games, drawing plenty of criticism from a number of United supporters for his failure to provide for the side in the absence of Marcus Rashford, who is sidelined with a back injury.

Martial again failed to find the back of the net in the recent 0-0 draw with Wolves, but Solskjaer insisted (via the Evening Standard) that, although he has struggled in front of goal, he deserves plenty of praise for his work rate.

“He's giving us everything," Solskjaer said. "He's been asked now to play - I think he's started the last eight games - in this month, and he's running probably 20% more than what he did when I came here.

“That shift goes with all the other players as well, by the way. So it's not just mental robustness and tactical, it's that physical side we've had to work with, because they are making strides. But the difference in that, compared to when I came in, the squad weren't right.”

One of Solskjaer's biggest conundrums is that his squad has been left short in attack. Rashford's injury left just Martial and teenager Mason Greenwood as available strikers, but the deadline day signing of Odion Ighalo will give the boss more options.

It appears likely that Martial will be afforded a rest at some point in the near future, but Solskjaer added that the Frenchman must continue to prove his worth to the team whenever he is picked.

“Well we'll give him more support, give him rest when he deserves it," the boss added. “If he does have that rest, if he plays a little bit less - because he's been asked to play too much as well, especially now when Marcus is injured - as a striker, if you don't just get there that split second, that's a big, massive difference.

“I've praised him, I've sat down with him and I'm delighted with him. I know that he's tired, but he's never ever dodged a training session. He's training, he's available for every game, so I’m delighted with the boy.”

Martial will now get a few weeks of recovery during the winter break, before returning to action at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on 17 February.

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Source : 90min