During Saturday evening’s clash with Newcastle United, there were reports that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was energetically gesturing towards one of his players.
Following a disappointing 3-3 draw with Galatasaray in the Champions League, Ten Hag led his team to St. James’ Park. With United currently at the bottom of Group A with four points, their elimination from the competition is looming.
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In an effort to turn things around, the Dutch coach opted for four changes from the previous draw in Turkey, bringing in Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to replace Antony and Rasmus Hojlund.
However, it was Martial who found himself on the receiving end of Ten Hag’s animated gestures in the first half.
According to Samuel Luckhust of the Manchester Evening News, both Ten Hag and Martial were seen vigorously waving their arms while engaging in a heated exchange.
Bein SPORTS pundit & former Man United striker Dwight Yorke remarked: “27 years-old and playing for your career. I’m scratching my head why his [Martial] energy levels are so low.”
The French international secured his inaugural league goal of the season during last Sunday’s 3-0 triumph over Everton, serving as a backup to Hojlund, who has yet to find the net in the top-flight since his summer arrival from Atalanta.
With his contract set to expire next summer, it is anticipated that he will depart the club after a nine-year stint at Old Trafford.
United struggled in the first half, and Newcastle had numerous opportunities to take the lead. Andre Onana showcased excellent goalkeeping skills, denying attempts from Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron, while Kieran Trippier struck the crossbar with a free-kick.
A victory for either team would propel them to fifth in the table, just one point behind Aston Villa in the race for the final Champions League spot.
In the lineup, Ten Hag decided to reintroduce 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo after his impactful performance off the bench in the midweek fixture.
Mainoo, who made his Premier League debut against Everton, impressed in a challenging and hostile atmosphere.
“It tells something about the great potential of English football, with such young kids coming up, so it’s good for the academies and it gives them recognition they are ready to play,” Ten Hag explained.
“The pitch is the same everywhere, the size of the pitch, 11 vs 11, with a referee, so go on and kick off. We have to build on our performances lately. We are in the right direction and this is a very big test.
“We’ve played some very good sides, Newcastle are also difficult to play, so we have to play our best. I expect something from my team in transition and with intensity.”
