Shearer reveals two players Man Utd need to become EPL title contenders
Manchester United are lacking a top forward according to Alan Shearer, who says Anthony Martial isn’t quite cutting it at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils, who currently occupy second place in the table, trail leaders Manchester City by 10 points.
And despite outscoring their cross-town rivals in the league, the Newcastle legend reckons Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to strengthen his attacking options with Martial failing to burden the responsibilities of the No.9 role.
He also believes they need a centre-back to become genuine contenders for the Premier League and Champions League.
“I’ve read that Martial wants to be Manchester United’s main centre-forward and that he sees it as his position. I don’t,” he told The Athletic.
“He’s been there for six years. Last season was his best in terms of numbers, but he’s never scored more than 20 league goals in a campaign and I just don’t see the desperation, the hunger, desire and know-how to be a No 9, to score as many goals as he should.
“Martial is quite content to spend time outside the box, which is one of the reasons they signed Edinson Cavani and why, if fit, he’s ahead of Martial in their strongest XI.
“I realise that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team are top scorers in the Premier League this season, but I still think that if they had the scope to strengthen a couple of positions then one would be to add a top centre-forward.”
Solskjaer’s side have shipped in 32 league goals – the most out of the top five in England’s top flight.
"I’ve read that Martial wants to be Manchester United’s main centre-forward and that he sees it as his position. I don’t." 😳😳 #MUFC https://t.co/VPL7ALcvph
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) February 26, 2021
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Fixing their defensive issues would see Man United compete for the prestigious league title, says Shearer who added: “The other would be centre-half.
“Give them those and they can sustain a serious tilt at the title and the Champions League next season.”