Siddharth Juyal
Graeme Souness is surprised that Anthony Martial is still starting for Manchester United
Liverpool legend Graeme Souness expressed surprise at seeing Anthony Martial start for Manchester United after many years of inconsistent performances and injury issues. The 27-year-old striker failed to have any impact in the 2 games he started for United so far this season.
United signed Martial from French club AS Monaco on 30 June 2013. The Red Devils signed Martial for £36mil., which was the world record transfer fee for a teenager at that time.
The Frenchman struggled with consistency and injury issues throughout his tenure at the Old Trafford club. Martial has made 301 appearances so far at United, scoring 88 goals and producing 53 assists for the club.
Souness showed his bemusement over the decision from United manager Erik ten Hag to choose Martial as No. 9 in 2 League games. The Liverpool legend told The Express (h/t Manchester Evening News):
“I wrote an article five years ago stating it was the last chance saloon for Anthony Martial. Yet he’s still starting matches as their main focal point in attack. He isn’t a Man United player. He will get you excited and then let you down. I still don’t think Antony or Jadon Sancho are long-term solutions for United if they want to win the Premier League and Champions League. They’re still relying on Marcus Rashford.”
Last season, the Red Devils finished in 3rd position while scoring a total of 58 goals, the least among the clubs in the top 6. Manchester City and Arsenal, scoring 94 and 88 goals respectively, finished above United.
The difference in goal-scored stat between the clubs was absurdly vast and points toward the lack of consistent goal-scorers within the United squad. United forward Marcus Rashford was the top goal-scorer with 17 league goals.
Martial can still fulfil the role of a striker for United as the 27-year-old is at the beginning of his prime years. United are lacking depth in their attack with 20-year-old Rasmus Højlund and 19-year-old Alejandro Garnacho available apart from Rashford.
Ten Hag still has faith in Martial which is why he was chosen to start the two Premier League games. Martial can expect to feature more for the Red Devils this season.
More Manchester United News
- Sergio Ramos declined an offer from Manchester United before joining Sevilla
- Denmark head coach Kasper Hjulmand gives a positive fitness update on Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund
- New Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat outlines his winning mentality in first interview
If the Frenchman can remain injury-free, we can expect him to turn his form around and deliver consistent performances and goals we know he has at his disposal. Martial is currently in the last year of his contract which expires in June 2024.
