Solskjaer makes Martial admission as form struggles continue against Sheff Utd

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits Anthony Martial, and the entire Manchester United squad, deserves criticism after their shock defeat to Sheffield United on Wednesday night, but has backed the striker to come good.

The Red Devils were stunned at Old Trafford by the Blades, losing 2-1 to the team rooted to the foot of the table, with just one league win this season before Wednesday evening.

United missed the chance to go top of the division and have now handed a huge advantage to Manchester City in the title race.

Martial came in for criticism from fans and pundits after the loss to the Blades as he continued his dry spell in front of goal, which has seen him score just once in the last 10 games.

He was also accused of not putting in the effort to track back and atone for losing the ball in the build-up to Sheffield United’s winning goal.

Solskjaer did not try to pretend that the Frenchman is playing well at the minute, but feels the whole team deserved criticism after the loss and that Martial’s hard work on the training pitch will see him bounce back.

‘I think the whole team will probably get criticism tonight and myself as well,’ Solskjaer told a post-match press conference.

‘I don’t think Anthony is exempt from that, I think we all should be criticised because we didn’t perform.

‘I know Anthony is working really hard in training, working on his finishing, working on his movement.

‘I’ve got no qualms that he’ll come good.’

The stunning defeat left the Red Devils second in the table ahead of their clash with resurgent Arsenal on Saturday.

‘We’ve got Arsenal, Southampton, Everton, three massive games for us,’ said Solskjaer.

‘We can’t feel sorry for ourselves for too long. When I see them in the morning I expect them to get the mood back up and focus on Saturday.’

United legend Rio Ferdinand was critical of Martial after the game as he lost the ball and made little attempt to retrieve it as the Blades went on to score their second.

‘As a winger or number nine you’ve got to have a go and try and express yourself. He doesn’t even look like he enjoys football!’

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