Anthony Martial told to feel “embarrassed” Manchester United are looking for new striker
Former West Ham star Frank McAvennie feels Anthony Martial should feel “embarrassed” that Manchester United are looking to bring in a new striker.
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the Old Trafford side just before the start of the 2022 World Cup, the club are looking for reinforcements up top. The 27-year-old is now the only natural striker at Erik ten Hag’s disposal.
Speaking to Football Insider (h/t Express), McAvennie, who is a former Scottish striker, believes the France international has not done enough to cement his place at United over the years.
“You have got to put in the effort and commitment in every week, you cannot do it just when you decide. He has been there long enough now, he should be well established.
“The manager should not even be looking for forwards. I would be embarrassed if I was him. Martial should be making the manager’s decision that he does not need to go and get a top striker but he has not done it.”
Martial signed for the Red Devils in the summer of 2015 from AS Monaco. He was considered one of the best prospects in the game at that time.
However, since then, the 27-year-old has had a mixed spell in Manchester. The France international shone in the 2019/20 campaign. But he has failed to build on that over the years.
Last season, the forward was deemed surplus to requirements at the Old Trafford side after the arrival of Ronaldo. The 37-year-old led the line under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
Subsequently, Martial joined Sevilla on loan in January last year. But the French national had an underwhelming spell in Spain and returned to United in the summer of 2022.
However, the 27-year-old has seemingly found his feet under Ten Hag. Unfortunately, injuries have not helped the forward’s cause this season. He has still managed to find the back of the net five times in 11 appearances in all competitions.
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While Martial has not been great in previous campaigns, he has been decent since the arrival of the Dutch manager. However, it is also wise for the club to bolster the number nine position, considering the French national’s fitness issues.
