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A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.

Europe, Digest Tinotenda Magiya Europe, Digest Tinotenda Magiya

Ian Wright talks about Anthony Martial

Is Martial being hampered by Mourinho?

Manchester United winger Anthony Martial dribbles by Sevilla defender in UEFA Champions League 

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright shares his thoughts on one of Manchester United’s players. Anthony Martial joined Manchester United back in 2015 from Monaco in a deal worth £36m. The player was an instant hit at the Old Trafford as Van Gaal trusted the player to lead the front and the then 19 year old managed to score 11 goals before being shifted to the left of the front three. Martial showed promise of being the go-to-man for the team in the post Ferguson era. Jose Mourinho took over the reigns in 2016 and he had different ideas. Mourinho had faith in other players like the emerging Rashford and Mata. This season, Jese Lingard has moved ahead of Martial in the pecking order and the addition of Alexis Sanchez in the winter transfer window proves that the player is not trusted to lead the attack by the coach. Martial has however, showed that he can deliver even as the centre forward as he scored a couple of goals in the absence of Romelu Lukaku. Wright believes that if United have to let one go between Martial and Rashford, then the Frenchman should be sacrificed. Craig Bellamy backed the former Arsenal legend in saying that he should be doing much more. Martial has the pace and the trickery to beat defenders but is not doing enough when asked to play out wide. Manchester City have done a good job with just as much quality in the front as United but somehow, the Red Devils have failed to make it work. United will not be willing to sell Martial to their rivals so it probably looks like the player would be looking for a move abroad. Do you think United owe Martial a little bit more than he is getting at the moment? Where do you want to see him playing next season? Leave your comments below.

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Europe, Digest Dennis Takaendesa Europe, Digest Dennis Takaendesa

Mourinho hits back at Frank De Boer

Premier League history not on Frank De Boer's side at the moment

Manchester United boss has hit back at Former Crystal Palace boss Frank de Boer about his recent comments on how Jose Mourinho has been handling Marcus Rashford. De Boer praised the young forward’s impact in the Liverpool match as he scored a brace in a tough match. He went on to say that it is a ‘pity’ that Rashford is playing under Mourinho presumably because he is not allowing the player to progress by playing a lot of games. This might be due to the fact there are many players in front of him in the pecking order including the January signing Alexis Sanchez. However, de Boer’s comments brought about a fiery comment from Mourinho who is quoted to having said that Frank is the worst Premier League manager in history. He managed only 7 matches in the EPL with all of them defeats and scoring none in the process before facing the sack. Mourinho turned the conversation from the player to his record and ambition for winning. He stipulated that Rashford would be a failure if he was coached by the former Palace boss because that is what Frank knows how to do. Do you think Mourinho’s reaction is justifiable? Drop your comments below.

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