Martial yet to reach potential at Manchester United -Berbatov

Former Manchester United and Tottenham striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has expressed surprise by Anthony Martial’s lack of progress at Old Trafford, with the Frenchman far from being close to a finished article despite his obvious talent.

Berbatov, who caught glimpses of Martial’s potential up close during their time together at Monaco, is one of those who agree that Martial has had another mixed campaign this season, contributing 10 goals and two assists in 26 Premier League appearances.

With his casual stance and perceived lack of enthusiasm drawing the attention of supporters and experts, his place in the squad of Ole Gunner Solksjaer is far from guaranteed. The France international arrived in Manchester from Monaco in 2015 and four years later, he is yet to live up to his £36 million ($47m) price tag on a consistent basis.

Berbatov, who played for United between 2008 and 2012, worked alongside Martial for a brief spell in France is aware of the Frenchman’s talent.

“He’s a quiet guy. He’s like me, he keeps to himself. That’s not a bad thing. He has not reached the level yet where I think he can be.

“As a football player, you can see straight away. You recognise straight away and this guy… he had something.

“He needs someone to say: ‘listen this is not the right way, over there is the right way if you want to be the best.”

The Red Devils are currently sixth in the Premier League with two matches of the 2018-19 season remaining, with three points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea.

A trip to Huddersfield is next for United, who host Cardiff City on the final day and maximum points must be secured for them to harbour hope, however faint, of finishing in the top four.