Man Utd fans lay into Martial with ‘playing bad’ Fernandes comparison

Don’t wait 30 years – sign up for our daily football email newsletter today!

Manchester United fans didn't hold back in their criticism of Anthony Martial following their shock 2-1 defeat by Sheffield United on Wednesday night.

The title-chasing Red Devils were on the end of one of the biggest shocks in a surprise-packed campaign as the embattled Blades inflicted the hosts' first top-flight defeat since November 1.

Ex-Man City youth prospect Kean Bryan opened the scoring in a first half in which Martial saw an equaliser ruled out for an apparent foul by Harry Maguire on Blades goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Skipper Maguire did eventually find a leveller in the second half but Solskjaer's comeback kings floundered rather than rallied.

The Blades capitalised on some atrocious defending as substitute Oliver Burke struck home off of Axel Tuanzebe to seal a 2-1 win – only their second Premier League triumph of a wretched season.

But, it wasn't the defending that United fans livid. Instead, one of the main talking points was an incident involving Martial and Bruno Fernandes.

With the scores level at 1-1, Martial looked to play in Edinson Cavani but his pass was misplaced and, his reaction has left the Red Devils supporters fuming.

Rather than attempting to get the ball back off Blades defender Ethan Ampadu, Martial stood motionless, briefly waving his arms in the air, before breaking into a slow jog.

Ampadu progressed through the centre of the pitch, and it required a stunning effort from Bruno Fernandes to sprint back and dispossess his opponent near the edge of the United box.

Indeed, fans described the incident as "the difference of 'playing bad and working hard' and just 'playing bad' between Bruno and Martial".

Fans were delighted to see Fernandes win the ball back, with the Portuguese midfielder showing the attitude which has seen him become a fans' favourite at Old Trafford.

But the United faithful were less impressed with Martial, who continues to divide opinion.

One fan commented: "Bruno had a poor game overall but this effort and Maguire's goal were the only things that got me off my seat tonight."

Another added: "Martial shouldn't be anywhere near the starting 11. Been given loads of games recently and done nothing.

"I'm not fussed if Bruno has an off game cos he produces the goods the rest of the time and always gives 110%. Martial barely gave 10% today."

• Premier League
• Manchester United FC
• Bruno Fernandes

Source: Read Full Article