Alan Shearer claims Manchester United star Anthony Martial for lacking hunger
Speaking to BBC Sport (h/t The Metro), Alan Shearer has accused Manchester United star Anthony Martial of lacking hunger as the club dropped out of the FA Cup.
One of the best strikers of his era, the English great is Premier League’s all-time goalscorer. It is fair to say that he has an idea of what it takes to become a top striker.
Shearer described Martial’s performance at the King Power as frustrating and questioned his desire to be United’s No.9. While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did not place the blame on any of his players, Shearer was less charitable.
“It was a really frustrating performance for him because when his team-mates are looking for options from him, for him to either come short to be the link-up play, a lot of the time I’m thinking, “Come on, help.”
Shearer believes Martial acted less in United’s interest and was largely a liability going forward. While he does admit that the Frenchman was at times isolated up top, he should have done more to rectify his position.
“I don’t think he’s a nine. He doesn’t look comfortable in the nine position. He doesn’t look as if he’s got that hunger to score as many goals as he could and should. It was a frustrating performance.”
Shearer’s words were also echoed by former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin. He too remains convinced that Martial is not a centre-forward.
“Martial is not a centre-forward. Absolutely not. 100%”
Downplaying expectations!
Much was expected of Martial after an impressive 2019/20 campaign. Having finished as the club’s top scorer last season, expectations were high going into the current campaign.
Martial has, however, come up massively short and has managed just 7 goals and 8 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions. It is far from the prolific rate that is expected of an elite club’s top striker. (h/t Transfermarkt)
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Martial has made 258 appearances for United, scoring 78 goals and assisting 49. While the tally is not really poor, it is unbecoming of the world-class striker that United need. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Time is running out for the Frenchman to stake his claim up top. With the summer window fast approaching, United may have no other option but to bring in someone new.