Pranav Nair
Rob Lee: Manchester United should not think twice on selling Anthony Martial if a £50m bid comes in
Speaking on the Football Fancast (h/t Football365), former Newcastle United star Rob Lee has urged Manchester United to sell Anthony Martial provided a good offer comes in.
The French international promised much when he joined United from Monaco in 2015. Despite coming off a prolific season last summer, Martial has flattered to deceive this time around.
With seven goals and eight assists in 36 games, Martial’s numbers this season have been massively underwhelming. For fans who have grown used to watching Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and even Robin van Persie, Martial’s performances are disappointing at best.
While Edinson Cavani has to an extent fulfilled his role as the auxiliary striker, the burden of goalscoring has fallen on the shoulders of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been so overreliant on the latter that he has been forced to play through injury the last few months. It would be interesting to know if the Norwegian would have rested Rashford more often had Martial delivered.
While Lee does not doubt Martial’s ability, he is far from impressed with the Frenchman’s attitude.
“He’s such a talented lad, he’s quick and he can finish well but some days, he just doesn’t seem interested.”
An underperforming asset!
Lee believes United should blindly accept an offer of around £50million for Martial’s services. While it is likely that Lee has spitballed a probable number, we find it difficult to imagine any team bid that much for the Frenchman.
“His attitude seems terrible. So yeah, if somebody would give me £50million for him, I’d snap their hand off.”
As Lee rightly points out, Martial’s inconsistency is a major pitfall in his attempts to emerge as United’s No.9. Sooner or later, something has got to give and it remains to be seen if the player will continue at the club unless he improves.
“I look at him some games and think he’s unstoppable, but then I look at him other games and I think he should be playing Sunday League football.”
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Martial has now had enough time and opportunities to prove himself at United. Spectacular on his day, he is also abject when off form. Unless he improves dramatically, the club should ensure they have the right players to take them forward.
Whether Martial can make the cut or not is completely down to him.
