Aheed Abrar
Graeme Souness: Anthony Martial not up to standards needed to play for Manchester United
Anthony Martial has been given a damning review by Graeme Souness. The former Liverpool player and manager doesn’t think the Frenchman is good enough to play for Manchester United.
Martial joined the Red Devils in 2015 from AS Monaco. The 26-year-old was considered one of the hottest prospects in world football at the time. United were able to capture the Frenchman’s signature amidst a lot of interest. But his time in Manchester hasn’t been fruitful.
Speaking on talkSPORT (h/t Manchester Evening News), Souness sounded off on Martial. The Liverpool legend doesn’t feel the 26-year-old would’ve made a difference in United’s loss against Brighton & Hove Albion.
“In United’s case, they’ve not really recruited any game changers. When you are talking about ‘we are going to miss Martial’, how many opportunities is that young man going to get to be a Manchester United player?”
The Seagulls visited Old Trafford in the Manchester-based club’s first game of the Premier League campaign. The result wasn’t the one fans were hoping for as United were beaten 2-1.
Martial missed the game after picking up an injury in pre-season. Erik ten Hag had instilled new hope in supporters. Our forward line, especially the Frenchman, impressed in the friendlies.
However, Souness is of the opinion that Martial has already gotten enough chances at United. The Scottish national feels the 26-year-old has proved he’s not up to the Red Devils’ standards.
“He’s proven already to me he’s not for Man United. He can’t deal with the pressure of playing at Man United. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world. They are in a cup final every time they go out and play a game of football. As Liverpool are, as Chelsea are, as Man City are. Welcome to the big league.”
Fans have been anticipating Martial to take off his United career for years now. The Frenchman’s initial seasons at Old Trafford were decent. But in the 2019/20 season, the 26-year-old scored 17 goals and gave seven assists in 32 PL appearances.
People expected Martial to go from strength to strength. Unfortunately, the former Monaco youngster has failed to make a place for himself in United’s XI.
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The Red Devils are in need of more options up front. For now, it seems Ten Hag is willing to trust Martial. Whether the Frenchman is fit enough to start the next game against Brentford remains to be seen.
