KEY POINTS

  • Anthony Martial found himself in the starting lineup for the first time in five months
  • Solskjaer remains hopeful that Martial will find the magic he had when he first signed with the team
  • Manchester United remains adamant that Paul Pogba will not be sold this summer

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave forward Anthony Martial a spot start in the team’s first eleven against Southampton this weekend.

Speaking after the match, Solskjaer revealed his reasoning for replacing James with Martial for their second English Premier League game.

"We wanted to get Antho [Martial] going, to have call it two more forwards, Anthony to drift into the left and Mason coming inside from the right," said the Red Devils manager.

Transfer rumors have hounded Martial since he made his return from a knee injury that he suffered while on international duty last March.

Add in the fact that Manchester United’s long-time transfer target Jadon Sancho was finally acquired by the club, and his spot on the Red Devils’ roster was, in most fans’ eyes, very much in jeopardy.

Despite Martial reportedly being courted by Inter Milan earlier this month, his spot on the team remains secure.

The French forward replaced Daniel James on the starting eleven as they faced a massive scare against Southampton away from their home arena of Old Trafford.

The Red Devils found themselves down a goal after a Che Adams strike was deflected by Fred and got past goalkeeper David de Gea at the 30th minute.

Manchester United was able to pull out a draw after phenomenal 19-year-old Mason Greenwood scored off of a terrific setup by midfield maestro and Martial’s France international teammate Paul Pogba.

Martial’s lone opportunity to score was a header in the first half that was cleared at the line.

On the Pogba front, Manchester United has also revealed that they will not be selling the French midfield maestro this summer.

Pogba has been linked to a transfer to colossal French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain this summer as they look to solidify their squad for a run to the Ligue 1 title.

The hope that Pogba signs an extension with Manchester United is very much in the cards for the club if they are able to secure the Premier League title.

Manchester United returns to action next Sunday, August 29, as they face the Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home.

RELATED STORIES