Man Utd: Solskjaer praises Anthony Martial after Sheffield win
Manchester United forward Anthony Martial can replace Antoine Griezmann in the France starting XI, according to former Les Bleus World Cup-winner Frank Leboeuf. Martial scored his first career hat-trick in United's 3-0 win over Sheffield United in the Premier League on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has been Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's main centre-forward this season following the departure of Romelu Lukaku Inter Milan.
Martial's hat-trick took his tally in the league to 14 goals this term and Leboeuf believes he has what it takes to gain a regular spot in the France side.
Griezmann has struggled in his first season at Barcelona and regular strike partner Olivier Giroud will be 34 before next year's European championships.
"Well [Martial] has a big chance to be in the squad and if he carries on like that I'm sure Didier Deschamps will think about him," Leboeuf told ESPN FC.
"It's true that with the problems that Griezmann is having right now at Barcelona, with Giroud getting older, there is a clear chance for Anthony Martial to be in the squad and to maybe be in the first XI.
Martial was delighted to notch his first hat-trick and stretch United's unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions.
He said: “I feel very good. It’s my first hat-trick in my career, so I hope I will score more. I’m happy because the team played very good today so I think it’s good.
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United legend Gary Neville says the signing of Bruno Fernandes in January has helped Martial.
"I think it's a big moment," Neville said on Sky Sports.
"He's certainly had a better season I think as United have got better, with better players in and around him.
"If you think about that goal, the flick from Bruno Fernandes is wonderful, that's the bit of magic in that goal. The rest of it is more simple.
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"He's been given his opportunity, he's cried out to be given a chance as Manchester United's No 9.
"He's getting it, [Marcus] Rashford's settled in on that left-hand side.
"With Fernandes closer to them, he's now supplying the passes and the service that they need."
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