Ex-Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is unlikely to see improved performances from Anthony Martial as the player feels he doesn’t have the manager’s trust.

The Frenchman has been used sparingly this season, with only two starts in all competitions. Sheringham claims the forward is feeling unloved at Old Trafford and if Solskjaer wants to get more out of him, he should look to Roma boss Jose Mourinho’s treatment of Tammy Abraham:

“It’s similar to Harry Kane and Tammy Abraham, centre-forwards need to be loved. If you’re not feeling loved and appreciated, if you feel you have one chance to do well in the Carabao Cup and if you don’t you’re not going to get anywhere near the Premier League games, it does put pressure on you. Tammy has gone to Roma and Jose Mourinho has said “go in there and if you miss chances, you’re not going to be out the team straight away.”

“It gives you a relaxed time. Footballers need to be relaxed and cool in front of goal, not snapping at chances. When you are loved by a manager, you have that feeling. Martial obviously isn’t getting that at the moment because there are other players at the club in front of him and you feel like you have to snatch chances when you can.”

To be honest, they are not really similar situations. Abraham is Roma’s star striker after completing a £34m move from Chelsea so Mourinho is clearly going to roll out the red carpet for the Englishman.

In contrast, Martial is battling Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani for a place in the starting lineup and Solskjaer can’t just throw the France international a bone if he doesn’t deserve it.

Sheringham is right that knowing your manager has faith in you does have an impact but, if Martial wants to stay at Old Trafford, he will need to fight for his position or he could be sold in January.