Anthony Martial has been brutally told he cannot deal with the pressure at Manchester United by former Liverpool star Graeme Souness.
It's been a tough few seasons at Old Trafford for the Frenchman, with United sending him out to Spanish outfit Sevilla to try and rediscover his best form during the second half of last season – only for him to continue to struggle. However, there has been very little market for the 26-year-old since, and after an impressive pre-season, along with United lacking in striking options, it appears he's going to have a big role with Erik ten Hag's side this campaign.
While at Sevilla on loan Martial only scored once, with rumours circulating that United could look to offload him this summer. But he remains contracted to United until 2024, with the option of an additional year, and with no suitors, Ten Hag knows he must work with the player and try to get him back to his best.
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With question marks around the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, and with no out-and-out strikers yet joining this summer, Martial is set to be one of the main strikers this season.
But Souness has said that United will be in trouble if this is the case. The pundit acknowledges Martial's talents but has criticised his consistency and mentality.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Souness said: "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?
"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.
"It’s a bit like Pogba. I see both of them and I see players in them and qualities that few players possess. But it’s on their terms and they pick and choose when they use it. When you play for a big club you cannot be like that. When you are at a big club you play in a cup final every week.
"These players are not up for that, they’re not up for the fight. There’s not good being a great player in training or a great player once every six or seven games. You’re at a big club because you want to win things and want to be challenging all the time. In basic terms, they are dodgy. They are not people you can rely on, end of. I don’t think you can rely on Martial any more, not that you ever could. He’s been far too hit or miss."
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