Man Utd flop told to 'go down the leagues' by club legend Keane
Cameron Smith
- 4 Dec 2023 01:55 CST
- 3 min read
Manchester United legend Roy Keane thinks that Anthony Martial should “go down the leagues” following his performances against Newcastle United this weekend.
Martial, 27, was included in the starting XI by Erik ten Hag, in preference of €75 million summer signing Rasmus Hojlund, but failed to make an impact as Man Utd fell to a tepid 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park.
The Red Devils managed just one shot on target as they were completely outplayed by Eddie Howe’s side.
Their performance was discussed on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday, with Keane not holding back regarding his criticism of Martial.
Since his impressive 2019-20 season - in which he scored 17 Premier League goals - the Frenchman has netted just 19 times in 94 Man Utd appearances, while he also spent the second-half of the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Sevilla.
“We mention Martial... we forgive Martial because he scores a goal every 14 years,” Keane began.
“But let me tell you when at Newcastle under pressure, we get that ball into you, you better get hold of that ball to get us up the pitch and a bit of breathing space. He’s touching balls off and gives the ball away cheaply. You may as well go down the leagues.
“Manchester United had been trying to get rid of him a few years ago. You judge Manchester United on what they do in the big matches. If you can’t deal with that, maybe you’re not a Manchester United player.”
Rashford also to blame
Martial wasn’t the only Man Utd player to be publicly scathed by Keane as he also launched an attack at Marcus Rashford.
The Red Devils legend said: “[Rashford] is a local lad, he’s got the mega deal and that is all well and good. I need a bit more, you run forward no problem but you have to run back. Cover yards.
"He’s 26 now, he’s not a child anymore. He’s got to set the example. He’s got to lead by example, is he on his own? Absolutely not. He’s one of the experienced players in that dressing room and if he’s not setting the example, not good.”
Rashford has scored just twice in all competitions this campaign, while he was also sent off during their 4-3 defeat against Copenhagen in the Champions League.
