Man United legend has his say on striker Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial is being named and shamed – this time by Man United great, Paul Scholes.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his Red Devils have gotten off to a shaky start in their Premier League campaign. After a brilliant run, post-pandemic and going unbeaten in the EPL, Man United have already lost two fixtures in their opening three league games.
The saddest bit of it all, both failures befell at the Theatre of Dreams. One of them, one of the most humiliating defeats of Matchday 4 and the season so far. To date, the Manchester club has shipped in 11 goals, scored as little as five, accumulated a measly three points, and sit as low as 16th in the Premier League standings.
All of United across the globe are fed up with what’s happening on the pitch. From the goalkeeper to the number 9, every outfielder needs to be called into question. For Paul Scholes, it is Anthony Martial, the man leading the line.
Post-pandemic Martial
After lockdown eased up and football returned to the tele, Martial and co were almost unstoppable in the EPL. He was taken from the flank and placed at the tip of the line and was a man on fire.
The Frenchman playing out of position was better than the Frenchman playing in his favourite position. But that hasn’t really been the case over the start of the Premier League. From scoring 17 goals and assisting six last season, he is yet to register a single goal or assist in the trio of results.
What he has added to his name, which has gotten him off the mark for the term, he has already received a red card in their most recent loss against Spurs. And because of this, Scholes believes Anthony Martial “almost conned” them into thinking he was their right man for the job going forward.
Paul Scholes said:
"These forwards are exceptionally talented lads. We all know that. The problem with United’s forwards is that none of them is an actual centre-forward. Martial almost conned us into thinking he was one at the end of last season because he scored so many goals and was quite good.He’s started this season quite poorly again, which makes you think he isn’t. It’s misleading. That’s why I’ve kept saying we need a top-class No 9."
More is needed at United in order to compete
He still feels a world-class striker is a necessity. We can all agree the days of Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Eric Cantona are long gone. Replicating these household names and legends of the game has not been completed adequately.
Edinson Cavani has been added to the United roster but it is always a doubtful hope that a striker his age (33 years old) hits the ground running, as per past examples of aged South Americans coming to England’s top flight on the other side of 30.
Scholes seems to feel the same about Cavani:
"Obviously in his day, he’s been a top-quality centre forward. There’s no doubt about that. But he’s 33 years old, looked like he was going to retire. He’s not played a lot of football for PSG last season.Five, six years ago, yeah he’s a great signing, he’ll take us onto that next level possibly. But I just don’t think he’ll take us to the next level now."
Must Read. A massive boost for Liverpool ahead of Merseyside derby. light
Man United stood by and watch their rivals and immediate competition upgrade in the market. They waited till the very last to add players barring the arrival of Donny van der Beek, who I believe to be their best summer signing.
Now they suffered two defeats and one win with no answers to what Ole can do to change their fortune this season. Man United journeys to St. James’ Park for a clash against Newcastle. The Magpies have been inconsistent but have shown they are not to be taken lightly.