Striker Martial and Manager Ten Hag engage in heated on-field exchange at St James’ Park
Manchester United’s Anthony Martial and manager Erik ten Hag engaged in a furious on-field confrontation during their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday. Ten Hag was visibly unhappy as the French striker, who was given the start, tried to duplicate his previous success against Everton.
Ten Hag and Martial were caught exchanging words and gestures just before halftime, escalating the conflict. The crux of the dispute looked to be Martial’s failure to track Newcastle defender Fabian Schar, which resulted in a hazardous play that almost resulted in a goal.
Despite the public spat, Martial remained on the field until Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 59th minute sealed Newcastle’s victory.
The incident occurs at a critical juncture in Martial’s career, since his contract with Manchester United expires at the end of the season.
While the club has an option for another year, it is believed that the choice will be made by United rather than the player. Martial, who was praised for his strong rookie season and subsequent efforts, has battled to reclaim his form.
The 27-year-old’s career has been defined by ups and downs, with his brilliant 2019-20 season overshadowed by a loan spell at Sevilla in the later half of the 2021-22 season, where he failed to score in La Liga.
The public disagreement with Ten Hag raises questions about Martial’s future at Manchester United, adding another layer of uncertainty to the striker’s already tumultuous journey at the club.
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