Paul Scholes: Anthony Martial is not clever enough to be Man Utd’s central striker

Posted Friday, February 17, 2017 by squawka.com

Paul Scholes has declared that he doesn't see Anthony Martial as a striker but believes the Frenchman can get 25 goals a season from the left-wing position.

Martial was frequently used as a centre-forward in the first few weeks and months following his move to United from Monaco in the summer of 2015.

The 21-year-old, who earns £90,000-a-week (via Star), impressed with 11 league goals in his debut season but as the campaign progressed Martial was moved out to the left-wing under Louis van Gaal, a decision that has stuck under Jose Mourinho.

It has been the role the Frenchman has played in regularly this season, despite his limited involvement, and former United midfielder Scholes has backed the decision by suggesting Martial isn't a natural striker.

The pundit reckons that Martial lacks the intelligence to properly play as a centre-forward but has backed the No.11 to continue to impress from the wing.

Speaking on BT Sport before United's clash with Saint-Etienne Scholes said: "There's no doubt this lad [Martial] has got real ability. I don't see him as a centre-forward one little bit.

"I don't think his movement's clever enough but I think he's a real threat from that left-hand side. From that position he can still get 25 goals a season."