Ryan Giggs singles out Anthony Martial for criticism despite Man Utd heroics

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs scoffed at Anthony Martial's performance even though the Red Devils beat Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Martial opened the scoring on 30 minutes with a well-struck volley after being played through by Bruno Fernandes' cunning free-kick.

However, the 24-year-old failed to capitalise as City goalkeeper Ederson lingered on the ball later in the match and missed an opportunity to score - as Dominic Calvert-Lewin did against David de Gea last weekend.

Giggs previously blasted Martial in December after a lacklustre performance in United's game against Everton , labelling him "lethargic" and calling for youngster Mason Greenwood to start in his place.

Martial opened the scoring - but his performance still drew criticism (PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

And the Wales manager once again criticised the former Monaco forward, telling Premier League Productions : "It was echoes of David de Gea last week. He [Ederson] was dithering on the ball.

"Martial and United pressed well at times. Me and Michael [Owen] were just talking about it and maybe I'm being overcritical but he should actually go with his right foot and block Ederson's attempt to clear it.

"But instead he goes with his left foot. He doesn't quite get there and clatters into the post. It's a strange technique really to go with his left foot rather than blocking it with his right foot."

The French forward opted to try and block Ederson with his left foot (Getty Images)

Martial crashed into the woodwork and was down injured for several minutes after the incident, but was okay to carry on and later took to social media to show off his gruesome injury .

Owen agreed with Giggs' comments, saying: "He goes for the ball as if the keeper isn't there to tap it in but he needs to use all weight and almost tackle the ball into the goal with momentum and weight.

Ederson was fortunate to get away with his error - though United's other goals both came from his mistakes (REUTERS)

"He was never going to score just by tapping it in because Ederson was always going to tackle him so right foot, all your weight behind it and tackle the goalkeeper. Put them both into the net."

Fortunately for Martial, United defended their lead and earned the bragging rights over their local rivals after Scott McTominay secured the win with an added time strike from range.