PAUL SCHOLES reckons Anthony Martial ‘almost conned’ Manchester United fans into thinking he is a striker.
And the club legend reckons the centre-forward spot is still a ‘problem position’ for the Red Devils.
Anthony Martial is not a proper No9 according to Manchester United legend Paul ScholesCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Scholes, 45, lauded the attacking young talent of Martial, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
But he is not convinced Martial is a genuine out-and-out striker and is better off out wide.
The Salford interim boss told Stadium Astro: “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 No9.”
Martial, 24, enjoyed his best goalscoring season last term since arriving at Old Trafford in 2015.
Scholes would rather have seen United splash the cash on Harry Kane or Erling Haaland than bring in Edinson CavaniCredit: PA:Press Association
He smashed in 23 strikes for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in all competitions – one more than Rashford – but is yet to get off the mark so far in 2020-21 and will miss three matches through suspension.
Edinson Cavani arrived on deadline day in a £200,000-a-week deal.
The 33-year-old is unavailable to face Newcastle this weekend and could make his debut against former side Paris Saint-Germain.
Scholes, though, is not impressed by Cavani and reckons United should go all out for Harry Kane or Erling Haaland.
He added: “In his day, he has been a top-quality centre-forward but he’s 33 years old and looked like he was going to retire.
“He’s not played a lot of football for PSG last season. Five years ago, yes great signing – he’ll take us to the next level but I just don’t think he’ll take us to the next level now.
“Cavani should be a loan signing if you’re struggling without a centre-forward to get through a sticky period and fill a gap.
“[They should go for] Kane or Haaland. Haaland is sensational – he will be up there with your Messis and Ronaldos from what I’ve seen so far.”
Anthony Martial breaks Man Utd curse by scoring first Premier League hat-trick in seven years then FORGETS match ball
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
