Erik ten Hag stops supporters’ taunts at the man-utd attacker after Bournemouth’s defeat.

Erik ten Hag stops supporters’ taunts at the man-utd attacker after Bournemouth’s defeat.

Erik ten Hag stood up for Anthony Martial after the French striker was taunted by Manchester United supporters during his substitution during Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.

The 28-year-old was given his fifth league start of the current season, but he was unable to help the Red Devils defeat the Cherries, who dominated at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Marcos Senesi and Philip Billing in the second half and an early Dominic Solanke goal.

Martial eventually came off in the 56th minute to loud mocking and heckling as summer signing Rasmus Hojlund entered the action.



Hojlund replaced Martial in the 56th minute / Stu Forster/GettyImages

Reacting to the United faithful after the game, Ten Hag said: “Two weeks ago against Everton he played a very good game so he has absolutely the competences and abilities to play, so I don’t think it is fair, after a performance like this, to go to one player. We as a group failed all together.”

Speaking before the game about his starting XI, Ten Hag had revealed: “Sergio came in for Victor [against Chelsea] and did very good and Hojlund, he played a lot of games, many games to play as well, but also to give Anthony Martial the opportunity.

“He played very good against Everton, less good against Newcastle, but he has to prove it every day.”

Martial is into his ninth season as a Man Utd player but his importance has waned dramatically since a 17-goal Premier League campaign back in 2019/20.

With their fourth league loss at Old Trafford this season, Manchester United lost the opportunity to move up to fifth in the Premier League and surpass Tottenham. Only Crystal Palace, Everton, Sheffield United, and Burnley have lost more games at home thus far in 2023–2024.

Due to suspension, Ten Hag will have to deal with Bruno Fernandes’ absence from United’s upcoming league match; however, they must first focus on Tuesday’s Champions League match against Bayern Munich in order to secure a spot in the round of sixteen.