Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has warned Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag that he will not be able to rely on Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial to deliver the goals his side needs this season.
United, who have enjoyed a season of steady progress under the Dutchman so far, are the lowest scorers of the clubs currently camped inside the Premier League's top seven. They have plundered just 23 goals so far this term and boast a goal difference of just plus-three.
However, Tuesday night's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford marked the Reds' biggest league win of the season so far. Rashford and Martial both scored in the first half before Fred put the gloss on the victory late on.
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Rashford's opener took his tally of goals for the season in all competitions to ten, whereas Martial's low drive increased his account to five, despite making just nine appearances so far this season because of a collection of injury problems. Despite their respective improvements so far this season, Souness has questioned whether either of them have the ability to do the damage Ten Hag needs them to be capable of.
The Sky Sports pundit, not for the first time, has also questioned United's handling of the whole Cristiano Ronaldo saga.
"I expressed reservations about Erik ten Hag in August," Souness told the Daily Mail. "Since then, he has got more out of those players than the previous manager.
"I still think the Cristiano Ronaldo situation could have been handled better, benefiting the player and manager. He scored 18 league goals last season and, when I look at their squad now, I don't see goals.
"Marcus Rashford is their top scorer with five [in the Premier League] and is playing well. But he had a sabbatical for two years. Only he could tell you why.
"The worry for Manchester United is that it could happen again. If he's the one you’re relying on to get you goals, that feels like a wing and a prayer to me. And if Ten Hag is also still relying on Anthony Martial to stand up and be counted, then good luck with that.
"Three years ago, I said he was in a last-chance saloon to prove he is a United player. He is talented, but an enormous question mark remains."
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