Martin Keown explains why Anthony Martial has struggled at Man United this season
The Arsenal legend believes Jose Mourinho has left Manchester United striker Anthony Martial lacking confidence
Martin Keown has blamed Anthony Martial’s struggles this season on his relationship with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
The France international scored twice in the Red Devils’ 4-1 victory over West Ham United in the EFL Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
Martial showed signs of rekindling his prolific form from his first season at Old Trafford after a difficult start to life under new manager Mourinho this term.
The 21-year-old has scored one goal and has made two assists in eight Premier League appearances in the 2016-17 season so far.
The French starlet made a whirlwind start to his Manchester United career upon his £36m move to Old Trafford from AS Monaco in August 2015, scoring on his debut in a 3-1 win against his new club’s bitter rivals Liverpool.
Former Arsenal defender Keown believes Mourinho has left Martial feeling embarrassed after criticism of the striker.
“I think Martial has suffered because of his relationship with the manager,” Keown told The Daily Mail.
“When you feel publicly let down by the manager, there becomes an embarrassment for the player — everyone is looking for evidence that these guys don’t get on.
“Mourinho has to create a happy ship as quickly as possible. Martial showed his quality against West Ham and should be playing. Luke Shaw should be playing. Schweinsteiger should be in the squad. Obviously you can’t play everyone but don’t alienate the ones you can’t play.”
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Manchester United will make the short trip to Everton in their next Premier League game at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
