ANTHONY MARTIAL is Manchester United’s vulnerability in attack because he “goes missing”, according to Michael Owen.
That is despite the Frenchman scoring twice in the recent 4-1 win over Newcastle.
Martial has certainly been one of the many United players criticised of late but his six league goals in 2019/20 sets him on course for his best year at Old Trafford.
Played centrally by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, he is nonetheless seen by Owen as the frontline’s weak link.
The former United and Liverpool forward told Premier League Productions: “I think when we talk about consistency, Martial would be the one you would label.
“If Manchester United were back and firing on all cylinders at the top of the table, I think he would be much more consistent as a player.
“When games sort of drift and they’re not in control, then I think Rashford still gives you something, I still think Greenwood will give you something, and that’s when [Martial] can go missing a little bit.”
Owen admits that “when [Martial] is on form, he’s a proper player” but the stats clearly outline who of the pair enjoyed greater success in Manchester.
During his time at United, Owen averaged a goal every 110 minutes to Martial’s 221-minute average.
With 192 appearances under his belt for the Red Devils, the 24-year-old is yet to hit the heights hoped for when he signed from Monaco for an initial £36million.
Often played out on the wing, he has managed an assist every 395 minutes – far better than poacher Owen’s assist per 628 minutes.
United take on Burnley on Saturday evening with Martial likely to start having been taken off early against Newcastle.
