Man Utd: Martial is 'key' to club winning games claims Nicol
Michael Owen has doubts over Manchester United star Anthony Martial’s consistency despite an impressive performance against Newcastle on Boxing Day. Martial scored a brace at Old Trafford and inspired a 4-1 comeback as Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford also got on the scoreboard to cancel out Matthew Longstaff’s opener.
I think when we talk about consistency, Martial would be the one you would label
Michael Owen
But Owen still believes the Red Devils forward needs to work on his form as he finds that he doesn’t bring much to the table when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side is struggling on the pitch.
However, the former Liverpool and United player is adamant that the France international is an amazing player when he is in full form.
Owen told the Premier League: “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.
Michael Owen has doubts for a Manchester United player (Image: GETTY)
“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 he [Martial] can go missing a little bit.
“But when he’s on form he’s a proper player.”
Solskjaer decided to take Martial off the pitch after 67 minutes just when he was looking to complete a hat trick.
The Norwegian boss defended his decision as he wants his key players to be fit for Saturday’s clash with Burnley at Turf Moor.
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“I don’t think it is fair to be expected to perform at the best of your level, both mentally and physically, 48 hours after you have played.
“But I think we are in the best position to perform on Saturday. One - the game was over after 45 minutes. Two - we are young.
“We have a great chance against Burnley to perform at the best level because when you are 23, which is the average age of the outfield starting players today, that will make it easier for us to recover than Burnley I think.”
Martial has formed an impressive partnership in attack with the likes of Rashford and Daniel James in recent weeks.
The 24-year-old has put together a number of impressive displays for United this season as he has scored six goals in 13 Premier League matches.