GRAEME SOUNESS, Roy Keane and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink all questioned Anthony Martial’s passion for football after he was dropped for Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea.
The French striker, 24, was left on the bench for Sunday’s headline game, with youngster Mason Greenwood preferred up front.
Martial was dropped by Man Utd for the game against Chelsea, but the Sky Sports pundits weren’t shockedCredit: PA:Press Association
Graeme Souness slammed Martial’s lack of passion suggesting he will look back on his career with regretCredit: Sky Sports
Daniel James and Marcus Rashford started on the wings, leaving no room for Martial.
And none of the Sky Sports pundits were particularly surprised by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dropping the former Monaco man.
Souness, Keane and Hasselbaink took turns questioning the United’s star ‘love’ of football, ‘passion’ and ‘priorities’.
Souness said: “Martial. I’m not surprised he’s been left out.
“I think he’s a young man who’s got all the talent to succeed at the very highest level.
“But will he be disappointed he’s not playing today? Does he show that he’s got a real passion for the game?
“Do you ever see him emotional about the game? I’ve never seen it.
“He’s one of those players who’s going to end up looking back on his career and thinking ‘I could have done so much more’.”
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Souness, Keane and Hasselbaink were all scathing in their assessment of MartialCredit: Sky Sports
Souness concluded: “I’m a fan, but I’m not a fan.”
Old Trafford legend Keane chipped in in agreement, adding: “It doesn’t look like he loves the game.
“That’s always a worry. He doesn’t love the game.”
While ex-Chelsea striker Hasselbaink added: “His priorities are in a different place.
“I think, for him, it’s more important to go past three players and talk about that.
“You know, ‘look how I got past three players’… but not put the ball in the net.
“That is more important for him. That’s the perception I can get from him.”
Souness continued: “I said at the start of the season, the biggest challenge Ole has is to keep the fire lit under Martial, because he had a good end to last season.
“I don’t think that’s happened.”
Just last weekend, Alan Shearer – the Premier League’s all-time leading scorer – claimed he believes Martial lacks the desire required to be an elite striker.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Europa League last 16 draw sees Man Utd face AC Milan and Arsenal take on Olympiacos
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
