Former Ireland player Damien Delaney has criticised Manchester United's striker Anthony Martial for his lacklustre display against Bournemouth on Saturday.
United were soundly beaten by their opponents on Saturday evening, with Dominic Solanke, Phillip Billing, and Marcos Senesi netting in the 3-0 embarrassment.
Erik ten Hag is now under intense pressure to keep his job once again and has come under fire for his selection decisions.
Martial, who has been at Manchester United since 2015, started the game and did not impress onlookers at Old Trafford once again. It is certain that Martial's days in Manchester are numbered after another poor showing.
Delaney, speaking on Premier Sports on Saturday, tore into the Frenchman for his lack of effort and interest in the loss. The Cork native believes this is unacceptable at a club like Manchester United.
"I can never understand it. He's been at Manchester United for nine years. He was torrid up at Newcastle and then was given a chance today," he said.
"It's the lack of effort and lack of interest when he gives the ball away. He slows up and doesn't close or press down. He has been given an opportunity to throw down a marker because Marcus Rashford is being made an example of and Hojlund (is rested) ...
"That is unforgivable."
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: Manchester United player Anthony Martial in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on December 09, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)United's lack of options up front is one of the main reasons for Martial's run of games. Rasmus Hojlund, who is clearly not fit, and Marcus Rashford, who is not going through the best run of form, are other options, but Ten Hag has opted to go with the only choice available.
The question was put to Delaney about United's other striker issues and having no option. He responded by saying that a youth striker would put in more effort than Martial.
"You could say to me 'what choice did he have,' that Hojlund was not being risked due to injury and Rashford is being punished. I'll tell you what, go into the youth team and get an 18-year-old kid, because he will run around more than what he did tonight, he will give you more," he added.
"Even looking at the bench there, go and take Pellistri and put him as a no. 9 because he will give you more than what that man gives you. How he keeps getting a go in a Manchester United shirt, I will never understand...
"[Rashford's] attitude as of late has been as bad as Martial's, but Martial has been doing that for a very long time at Manchester United and keeps getting picked.
United play Liverpool this coming Sunday. That game at Anfield takes place at 4:30pm.
