Anthony Martial reveals challenge from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to justify giving back iconic No 9
Anthony Martial has revealed the challenge laid down to him by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that inspired his superb season for Manchester United.
The Frenchman is on 21 goals in all competitions and has been driven by the need to do justice to the famous No 9 shirt having previously had it taken off him by Jose Mourinho to give to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Martial told Canal Plus: 'He [Solskjaer] sent me a message, he said “do you want to take your No.9 shirt back?”
‘I straight up said yes! I said yes and he told me now it’s up to you to show me [that you deserve it] every time you’re on the pitch.’
Martial previously wore the No 9 before it was given to Ibrahimovic by Mourinho when the Swedish star arrived at the club.
It was then handed back to Martial last summer and the 24-year-old is enjoying his best campaign for the Old Trafford club.
Solskjaer has been delighted with the striker's progress, saying this week: 'He’s definitely developing, improving and he’s enjoying his football.’
'He’s stepped it up this season, I feel, both as an individual and more so as a team player, and physically.
'I remember there were talks about our forwards last season being the least active and there were some stats flying around but Anthony is now working really hard for the team and he is a quality, quality finisher.'
Martial showed his class in the 2-2 draw against Southampton, scoring a sensational goal after cutting in from the left flank.
He will be looking to add to his tally on Thursday evening as United face Crystal Palace.
They remain level on points with Leicester but lie fifth on goal difference.
The Frenchman is on 21 goals in all competitions and has been driven by the need to do justice to the famous No 9 shirt having previously had it taken off him by Jose Mourinho to give to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Martial told Canal Plus: 'He [Solskjaer] sent me a message, he said “do you want to take your No.9 shirt back?”
‘I straight up said yes! I said yes and he told me now it’s up to you to show me [that you deserve it] every time you’re on the pitch.’
Martial previously wore the No 9 before it was given to Ibrahimovic by Mourinho when the Swedish star arrived at the club.
It was then handed back to Martial last summer and the 24-year-old is enjoying his best campaign for the Old Trafford club.
Solskjaer has been delighted with the striker's progress, saying this week: 'He’s definitely developing, improving and he’s enjoying his football.’
'He’s stepped it up this season, I feel, both as an individual and more so as a team player, and physically.
'I remember there were talks about our forwards last season being the least active and there were some stats flying around but Anthony is now working really hard for the team and he is a quality, quality finisher.'
Martial showed his class in the 2-2 draw against Southampton, scoring a sensational goal after cutting in from the left flank.
He will be looking to add to his tally on Thursday evening as United face Crystal Palace.
They remain level on points with Leicester but lie fifth on goal difference.
No comments:
Post a Comment