Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Chris Watson & Bobby Vincent

Alan Shearer says Anthony Martial lacks two traits to be Manchester United's main goal scorer

Alan Shearer claims Anthony Martial lacks hunger and desire to improve his Manchester United goal tally.

Martial started in United 's 3-1 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford on Sunday and played 70 minutes before being replaced by Mason Greenwood.

Marcus Rashford, Daniel James and Bruno Fernandes found the net as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men reclaimed second place in the Premier League table.

Martial has scored seven goals in 31 appearances in all competitions this season, having registered 23 goals in 48 appearances last term, and Shearer thinks he needs to do more.

“I can understand why (United fans are frustrated), only four league goals this season - not enough movement, he’s certainly not desperate enough to score goals," Shearer told Match of the Day 2. "When you look at his position, he spends far too much time in these positions here (edge of the box) when they need someone in the area.

"Not once does he look to get anywhere near the box where he is going to score goals. He’s spending too much time out there (on the wing), there’s no focal point to hold the ball up.

"I don’t think it means enough to him to go and put that ball into the back of the net and he’s only ever scored more than 20 goals in a season just once and that’s in all competitions.

"When you consider Man United are top scorers in the Premier League this season with 53 and he’s got four - I don’t think that’s anywhere near enough."

Shearer added: "Apparently he deserves to be in there, but I think his numbers have to be a lot better if he is to play in that position.

"What is he, 25 years of age now? And this is his fifth (it's his sixth) season at United, so I wouldn’t say lack of experience is a problem at all, I’d say it’s his lack of hunger and lack of desire to get in there and constantly score the goals.

"He had a good season in terms of numbers last season but you have to do that on a regular basis especially when they’re scoring as many goals as they are.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.