Solskjaer Leaps To Goal-Shy Martial’s Defence

Martial’s only goal in his last six games came against League Two side Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup fourth round tie on January 26.

The 22-year-old has shouldered most of United’s attacking responsibilities ever since was Marcus Rashford was ruled out of action with a back injury in early January.

The pressure on Martial to deliver has been heightened by the fact that the Red Devils have failed to score in their last three league games for the first time since October 2016.

Solskjaer has attributed Martial’s recent inefficiency to tiredness but has backed him to deliver once United return from their two-week winter break against Chelsea on February 17.

"He's giving us everything. I think he's started the last eight games in this month, and he's running probably 20 per cent more than what he did when I came here," Solskjaer said.

"That shift goes with all the other players as well, by the way. So it's not just mental robustness and tactical, it's that physical side we've had to work with, because they are making strides. But the difference in that, compared to when I came in, the squad weren't right.

"We'll give him [Martial] more support, give him rest when he deserves it. If he does have that rest, if he plays a little bit less - because he's been asked to play too much as well, especially now when Marcus [Rashford] is injured - as a striker, if you don't just get there that split second, that's a big, massive difference.

"I've praised him, I've sat down with him and I'm delighted with him. I know that he's tired, but he's never ever dodged a training session. He's training, he's available for every game, so I’m delighted with the boy."

Martial has scored 12 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United this season.