Anthony Martial questioned by Man Utd legend as ‘twin brother’ claim made

Manchester United legend Andy Cole believes Anthony Martial has to show more consistency if he is to cement his place as the long-term No.9 at the club.

The 24-year-old enjoyed his most prolific season at Old Trafford to date in the 2019-20 campaign, scoring 23 goals in all competitions.

Yet the Frenchman still tends to go missing in certain games, and he was ineffective again in United’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace on the first day of the Premier League season.

Speaking to Goal , Cole stated his belief that Martial still needs to do more if he is to be considered the long-term answer for United up-front, amid rumours they could be looking to bring in another striker before the close of the transfer window.

“If he gives you consistency game in, game out every season I don’t think we’d be having this conversation about whether we need a No 9,” Cole said.

“One week he can be absolutely fantastic and then another week it’s like ‘what happened to him?’ It’s like his twin brother is playing.

“I think it’s a mentality thing, I really do. He’s at a good age now, he knows better. He’s a very good player. But he knows he should be doing it week in, week out. At Manchester United there’s no weekends off because everyone wants to beat you.”

Martial’s fellow United forwards Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood both got off the mark for the season when they scored in the 3-0 Carabao Cup win over Luton Town on Tuesday, and Cole thinks Greenwood needs to make a decision as to his preferred position.

Manchester United are looking to plot their path back to the top. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already brought in Donny van de Beek but Jadon Sancho remains Manchester United’s number one target.

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“I think that kid can play where he wants, it’s up to him to make his mind up as to where he wants to play,” he added.

“He plays off the right and can cut in and go on his left or his right. If he wants to be a centre forward it is a tough, tough ask, especially playing for a club like Man United.

“But he’s the only one who knows his best position and if his opportunity to get in the team is on the right… if you’re 18 you’re not going to turn around and say, ‘no, I’m a centre-forward.’ You will play on the right and he has done well down there, so let’s see what happens.”