Arsenal legend Paul Merson has suggested Anthony Martial "shouldn't be playing for Manchester United" after the Reds' defeat at Brighton on Thursday night.
Erik ten Hag's side appeared as though they would be coming away from the Amex Stadium with a point, but the Seagulls scored a penalty in added-time after Luke Shaw handled the ball inside the box. World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister calmly converted from the spot to condemn the Reds to their eighth league defeat of the campaign.
United, who now sit two points behind third-placed Newcastle, created a number of good opportunities in the match, but they once again struggled in front of goal. Martial was preferred to Wout Weghorst in attack, with the Frenchman making just his eighth Premier League start of the campaign.
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MEN Sport understands United are aiming to sell Martial in the summer amid plans to sign a new long-term striker. The striker has scored just two goals in 2023, and Merson believes Ten Hag needs to replace the 27-year-old if United are to progress.
"Manchester United's current front three is Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Antony, but I think there will be changes this summer, one million per cent," Merson wrote for Sportskeeda. "They are 16 points behind Manchester City at the moment and the same team next season will not get anywhere close to the Premier League title.
"They need a Harry Kane up front. Anthony Martial - seriously? He shouldn't be playing for Manchester United, sorry."
Martial has registered seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances this season, but he has missed a host of matches through various injuries. The Reds have scored just 49 top-flight goals this term, which is significantly the lowest in the current top-seven.
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