Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has called Erik ten Hag’s latest choice to play Anthony Martial up front “bizarre.”

Despite a dismal showing against Newcastle United seven days earlier, the Frenchman was returned to the starting lineup for Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. He began in the center of the attack, replacing Rasmus Hojlund, whom Ten Hag appeared to want to keep as fresh as possible for Tuesday night’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich.

Again, the decision bore little fruit, as United failed to score for the second time in their past three Premier League games. Ten Hag has been rotating between Martial and Hojlund in recent weeks, with each starting three and two games since the November international break.

Hojlund, who joined the Reds from Atalanta in the summer, has yet to score in the Premier League, while Martial has only scored twice this season. United’s lack of goals from their attackers is becoming a growing worry, and Neville finds Ten Hag’s decision to stick with Martial perplexing, albeit he blames the Glazer family for not recruiting intelligently in recent years.

On his Sky Sports podcast, Neville addressed United’s troubles, saying, “Other clubs have really, really competent sporting departments.” It is because to the Glazers that United has not supplied the leadership, guidance, and strength in recruitment for the past ten years.

“If you get it wrong three or four times in ten years, £300m-400m at a time, that is ultimate failure.” That is entirely up to the owners.

“That is why Sir Jim Ratcliffe will take over the sporting department.” The Glazers are well aware that they will fail.

“Erika ten Hag, you should be doing better.” Yes, Anthony Martial starting up front is unusual. The style of play is missing.

“The players must improve significantly; some of their performances, both individually and collectively, are abysmal.” I can’t believe the outcome (against Bournemouth).

“Congratulations to Bournemouth, but it should not have happened.” However, the Glazers’ continuous failure over the last ten years is entirely their fault.”