Anthony Martial has missed 27 games for Man Utd this season because of injuries (Photo: Getty)
Arsenal legend Paul Merson says Anthony Martial simply isn’t good enough to play for Manchester United ahead of their clash with West Ham.
While United have enjoyed a resurgence under Erik ten Hag, Martial has suffered another difficult season, missing 27 games because of five separate injuries.
And while he is still United’s first choice centre-forward, with seven goals in 24 appearances so far this campaign, it is no secret that the Red Devils are planning to sign at least one elite striker this summer to replace him.
If this is indeed the 27-year-old’s last season at Old Trafford, his Red Devils career will ultimately be looked back on with disappointment after such big things were promised when he joined the club for a then-record fee for a teenager.
But replacing him is a must if United want to challenge for the Premier League title again according to Merson.
‘Manchester United’s current front three is Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Antony, but I think there will be changes this summer, 1 million percent,’ he told Sportskeeda.
‘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.
Tottenham’s Harry Kane has been heavily tipped to join Man Utd (Photo: Getty)
‘They need a Harry Kane up front. Anthony Martial – seriously? He shouldn’t be playing for Manchester United, sorry.’
Tottenham legend Kane has been heavily linked with a move to United, as have the likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.
For now though, Ten Hag will be focused on securing his side’s place in the top four, with a trip to relegation threatened West Ham on Sunday evening, but Merson thinks it will be a tricky game, adding: ‘Manchester United have been terrible away from home this season.
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‘They played alright against Brighton, but the seagulls were better in the second half and scored a deserved stoppage-time winner to secure all three points at the Amex Stadium.
‘I think this game will end 1-1, but I still fancy Manchester United to secure a top-four finish this season and return to the UEFA Champions League.
‘As for West Ham, I don’t see them getting relegated and they also have the UEFA Conference League semi-final to look forward to, so the 2022-23 season could still be memorable for the Hammers.’
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‘The same team next season will not get anywhere close to the Premier League title.’