Anthony Martial needs to model himself on Cristiano Ronaldo and become more goal-obsessed to save his career at Manchester United, according to former Red Devils striker Louis Saha.
Martial has been under unrelenting pressure a poor season so far, in which he is regularly criticised for looking disinterested and going missing in games.
A paltry return of just four goals in 21 Premier League appearances is adding to the scrutiny, but Saha thinks Martial just needs to focus solely on putting the ball in the back of the net.
'I think he's a top player, that's for sure,' Saha told talkSPORT.
'I think when you're a No 9 and you're not scoring, it's difficult as people are only asking you to score goals. That's it.
'When you're not doing it you're going to be criticised. You need to be strong and really believe. You also need to be selfish and adopt a style of play that you really fancy.'
'Having that obsession with scoring goals makes it easier because people say he's been unlucky but you can see when he's in his comfort zone people get on his back.'
Saha, who scored 42 goals in 124 Man United appearances, rejected claims that the club should sell Martial in the summer, but conceded that he needs to show more intent.
'I really don't think he's a player Man United should let go because he can be that player who completes the striking force as he's unique in the way he plays,' he said.
'When you're not scoring you need to be obsessed with scoring goals and I think sometimes he doesn't show that.'
Saha pointed to former and current United forwards Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani to highlight how their lust for goals makes them successful, with Martial often too unselfish in key moments.
'I do feel like he has got it but Martial naturally comes to the ball to try and help his team in a certain way, but I don't feel like he helps himself,' the former Everton, Fulham and Sunderland striker said.
'When you look at (Edinson) Cavani he gives a lot of energy and sometimes sacrifices himself on the back of good positions.
'That's the strength of Cristiano (Ronaldo) now. He's at the end of his career and he completely prioritises how he can score many goals.
'He doesn't want to be pretty or in nice positions, he just tries to disturb the game, distract the defenders and go to the box. That's it.'
United take on derby rivals Manchester City on Sunday with the Red Devils in third place and 14 points behind the table-toppers.
NgeaWilson
0
Martia needs alot more work to even be compared to the Goat. CR7
Zoodlnpsu
1
man utd
Babawale
2
Martial is too lazy to be obsessed.
KingstonB2
4
He is not even obsessed about playing football
Bikaimnpru
0
Flop
Kakah19
1
it's impossible now
SarthakS
1
didnt someone say the samething to rashford
bbs
6
Are you kidding?? Cr7 in a wheelchair is better than Martial
Zezdkmz
0
What’s Louise Saha obsessed too it’s easy to talk about others but can’t do same when given the chance
Vuybeityz
0
we tired of tolking about martial is very lazy and he does not change and very power less the same to Rushford I hate them in fact
Rohinopy
4
MAN UNITED WON 3- 0 MAN CITY
lord_henry-14
0
He had 23 goals last season alone
Read the comment before talking I said he has 17 goals in pl and Guti got 18 in laliga
Sanctinolez
0
He never scored 23 in pl.Stop spreading false fact.Last season it was his best season with 17 goals
He had 23 goals last season alone
DarhYorh93
2
it's clearly showing nw dat Mourinho is vindicated 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️!!! Martial is too lazy & such a player shouldn't b able to even smell 2nd team in a club Lik almighty UNITED 😢
DarhYorh93
0
Thanks but you telling a stone
Exactly 😅😂😂😂😂
MBYhy
2
this lazy guy can't be obsessed with goals. he's too lazy
PIntuHaldar
0
He never scored 23 in pl.Stop spreading false fact.Last season it was his best season with 17 goals
he is saying his age
Fenabmoy
0
He never scored 23 in pl.Stop spreading false fact.Last season it was his best season with 17 goals
he is saying he is till young not on his prime
TheeUnitedFan
2
He needs to increase his confidence and Ole must return him to the left wing where he can dribble past right backs and cut in with his right foot.
Unitedforlife6
1
Martial is like a couch potato playing football..
lord_henry-14
0
martial is just 23 mate
He never scored 23 in pl.Stop spreading false fact.Last season it was his best season with 17 goals
heaekmnopz
0
martial is just 23 mate
He's 25 but okay
Piybcltz
0
he needs motivation to play martial.needs to fix up
Vivek1017
0
Fun fact:Guti once played as a st for a season and scored 18 goals in laliga and Martial as a striker has 17 goal highest in his pl years🤣.
martial is just 23 mate
true_RED
1
And you're still replying, while tryna act tough, claiming "i couldn't care less" ... What a s○ur l○seR 😂. You're defeated. Get some sleep.
Keep crying princess
Risciktyz
1
Risciktyz
0
NeonGrace
0
Nd you’re still crying like a little girl 😭😭😭
And you're still replying, while tryna act tough, claiming "i couldn't care less" ... What a s○ur l○seR 😂. You're defeated. Get some sleep.
true_RED
1
Awwww 🤣 That's cute
Couldn't care less. But still replying 😂😂 I understand your pain. Sorry kid 🤣🤣
Nd you’re still crying like a little girl 😭😭😭
NeonGrace
0
Still crying princess.. I told you to go find someone who cares cause I couldn’t care less for you pathetic tears if I tried 😭😭😭
Awwww 🤣 That's cute
Couldn't care less. But still replying 😂😂 I understand your pain. Sorry kid 🤣🤣
NeonGrace
0
Still crying princess.. I told you to go find someone who cares cause I couldn’t care less for you pathetic tears if I tried 😭😭😭
Awwww
NeonGrace
0
Still crying princess.. I told you to go find someone who cares cause I couldn’t care less for you pathetic tears if I tried 😭😭😭
femdimnrs
1
It's high time martial have played under three different mangers he needs to be sold that's all he doesn't show any signs of maturity in a game he far ahead of Harland and mbape but look now he's behind both of them same goes to Rashford
None of them play in epl and you clearly don’t make any sense
wutilmopu
2
don't stress about martial, his pride is killing him
lord_henry-14
0
Fun fact:Guti once played as a st for a season and scored 18 goals in laliga and Martial as a striker has 17 goal highest in his pl years🤣.
duebcesu
0
Goal obsessed won't make you the fastest won't give the you the skill to score from distances won't make you jump higher to score ridiculous goals won't and won't..... Rashford lacks many things Cristiano has and a thing that related to mental state won't make him a great player.
Sorry Martial*
duebcesu
1
Goal obsessed won't make you the fastest won't give the you the skill to score from distances won't make you jump higher to score ridiculous goals won't and won't..... Rashford lacks many things Cristiano has and a thing that related to mental state won't make him a great player.
Sapbcdeiop
0
United fans have been hoping to see the best of martial every season
epjo
1
the picture defines it all some of UNITED players they not plyn for the BADGE
true_RED
1
Awwww, You must live a very lonely life 😢 Such a sad sad way to live. The f○○l even keeps liking his own pathetic comments just to make himself feel relevant What a 🤡. Even AF recognized you as good for nothing pathetic racist and deleted your f○○lish picture and comment... Get a life nuthead, you're a sour looser.
Still crying princess.. I told you to go find someone who cares cause I couldn’t care less for you pathetic tears if I tried 😭😭😭
Tulox
0
The number nine must be taken from Martial if he is scoring goals and after all he is a striker with good ball control but he struggles to find the net
zahhar
0
he needs to run first, then only can he think about scoring
Evans0323
1
Why not like you, or you were not good ?😁
NeonGrace
0
Why you still crying to me for princess.... Go find someone who cares
Awwww, You must live a very lonely life 😢 Such a sad sad way to live. The f○○l even keeps liking his own pathetic comments just to make himself feel relevant What a 🤡. Even AF recognized you as good for nothing pathetic racist and deleted your f○○lish picture and comment... Get a life nuthead, you're a sour looser.
true_RED
1
Why are you ashamed of what you are. You named my race, You admitted to hating "US", and You posted a picture (twice now) of an ugly looking man to reference how "WE" look. And you're afraid of being called a racist? 😂 Why's that. It's what you are, don't run from it... It ain't no 'card', i ain't playing games here. It's written all of over your comments, so embrace it, It's what you are. You should feel proud 🤣. If you keep denying it, Not only will be a racist, but also a coward and a hypocrite as well, Such wonderful attributes eh 🤗 Oh and P.S: If you think i'm affected by that picture you keep posting, Then you would be even more st○○pid than i initially taught you you were. 🤣 That picture seems to be the only defence you've got. Awwww poor pathetic child 🤒😰
Why you still crying to me for princess.... Go find someone who cares
NeonGrace
0
Keep playing the race card though, I know it’s all you have going for you in life
Why are you ashamed of what you are. You named my race, You admitted to hating "US", and You posted a picture (twice now) of an ugly looking man to reference how "WE" look. And you're afraid of being called a racist? 😂 Why's that. It's what you are, don't run from it... It ain't no 'card', i ain't playing games here. It's written all of over your comments, so embrace it, It's what you are. You should feel proud 🤣. If you keep denying it, Not only will be a racist, but also a coward and a hypocrite as well, Such wonderful attributes eh 🤗 Oh and P.S: If you think i'm affected by that picture you keep posting, Then you would be even more st○○pid than i initially taught you you were. 🤣 That picture seems to be the only defence you've got. Awwww poor pathetic child 🤒😰
jacknit
1
I think rashford is suffering from sleep peralisis 😕
true_RED
1
Everyone HATES ? lol Nah. Only racists like you do. Normal reasonable people don't hate others just because they have varied opinions... But Racists always throw tantrums like kids and run crazy over little things like deranged old ladies... Your hate dwells with you. Don't try to generalise it. It's just you and your Racists fellas.. Embrace it. 😂 And it's cute you think your opinion actually counts.. What a pathetic soul. I don't talk to pigs for too long tho ? Take your paranoia somewhere else. I said what i said. And i'll say it again and again, and again! If it annoys you, stike your head on a tree or jump in front of a moving train. You'all surely find peace afterwards.
Keep playing the race card though, I know it’s all you have going for you in life
BarcaChelArg
2
All that can be said about Anthony Martial; the fact still remains that "Martial is a bit lazy" to live or play up to his abilities, capabilities and skills. He must enjoy the challenge from defenders and have that courage to conquer and overcome the defenders to have his dreams (scoring goals) come true. i love the guy and I was happy when he signed for Man U But he is a flop who is living in his own shadow: otherwise just sell him to Southampton or Leads United.
AsamoahTuahene
0
But Martial is no wearing the No. 7 jersey, is he?