‘Lightweight’ Man Utd star Anthony Martial slammed by pundits after ‘shocking’ performance during Southampton draw
ANTHONY MARTIAL has been criticised by pundits for his performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Southampton. The Red Devils equalled Arsenal’s record of 27 away Premier League games unbeaten by avoiding defeat, but Martial failed to catch the eye during the disappointing draw. The 25-year-old netted just four times in the Premier League last […]
ANTHONY MARTIAL has been criticised by pundits for his performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Southampton.
The Red Devils equalled Arsenal’s record of 27 away Premier League games unbeaten by avoiding defeat, but Martial failed to catch the eye during the disappointing draw.
The 25-year-old netted just four times in the Premier League last season, and has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Despite starting in Sunday’s clash Jadon Sancho’s £73million move from Borussia Dortmund could limit the Frenchman’s game time this season.
And when Marcus Rashford returns from a shoulder injury he had surgery on in the summer Martial’s match opportunities could dwindle.
He managed just 58 minutes before being hooked by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at St. Mary’s.
Martial has been at the club since an initial £36million switch from Monaco that could eventually rise to £54million.
And former professional Jamie O’Hara told talkSPORT breakfast: “Martial was shocking, it was a really bad performance from him.
Most read in Football
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
“He just plays like he’s not bothered whether he plays well or not. It’s a weird attitude to have.
“When I used to go on a football pitch, I was just obsessed with trying to be the best player out there.
“Martial just plays like he doesn’t care whether he’s good or not. It’s just it’s weird how he plays because he’s got so much talent.
“But it’s not good enough, he’s miles off it when you compare him and Lukaku, they’re just worlds apart.”
And Simon Jordan said on the show: “I think United’s story has moved on from Anthony Martial and I think the problem for Anthony Martial is how does that manfest itself for him?”
He added: “I think he’s lightweight. I think he does it when he feels like it.
And Jordan went on to say: “To me he is the embodiment of footballers who have an inordinate amount of talent but simply don’t have the psychological application or the innate strength required to compete at that level and not be a key component of Manchester United’s team.”
However former Liverpool man Danny Murphy was not as critical with his words.
He said on Martial: “He’s got 78 goals in 260 games as a wide player, which is generally what he is, he sometimes plays through the middle, he played through the middle yesterday.
“A one in three goal ratio is not bad at all for a wide man.”
But Murphy went on to say: “You could argue that at a top club you should be doing that, and he should. Now is he in United’s best XI? For me, no.
“If they want to win the league and become competitive, does he get in their best XI? No.”
BETTING SPECIAL – GET £50 IN FREE BETS WITH SKY BET
Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals