ARSENAL icon Paul Merson believes Anthony Martial “shouldn’t be playing for Manchester United” following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Brighton.
The Red Devils suffered their eighth defeat of the Premier League season on Thursday after Alexis Mac Allister’s 99th minute penalty saw Brighton snatch all three points on offer.
Erik ten Hag made three changes to the line-up following last weekend’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred, Antony and Martial replacing Tyrell Malacia, Marcel Sabitzer, Christian Eriksen and Jadon Sancho respectively in the starting 11.
United created a number of good chances throughout the match, but they lacked efficiency in front of goal.
And Martial received criticism from many fans as a result.
Merson, who played for Arsenal between 1985 and 1997, also took a swipe at the Frenchman by suggesting that he should be replaced this summer.
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In his column for Sportskeeda, the 55-year-old wrote: “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.
“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 is expected to leave Man Utd when the summer transfer window opens, with the club looking to offload several players.
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The Frenchman has been limited to 16 Premier League appearances this season due to various injury issues, so Ten Hag is understood to be open to letting him move on.
United are in the market for a new striker ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
And Harry Kane is understood to be a top target.
The England captain, who has scored 25 goals in 34 appearances for Tottenham so far this season, is unlikely to sign a new contract with the Lilywhites.
And Man Utd are reportedly willing to offer him a lucrative deal in an attempt to lure him to Old Trafford.
However, Tottenham chief Daniel Levy has set an asking price of £100million for the striker.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
