Roy Keane believes Anthony Martial cannot be depended on at Manchester United after another season littered with fitness problems.
Martial was handed his second consecutive start for Sunday's Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest, having played 61 minutes in the Europa League quarter-final first leg draw with Sevilla on Thursday. The French international had come off the bench in the three previous games.
With Marcus Rashford suffering a groin injury in the win over Everton earlier this month, Martial's goals could prove crucial if United are to secure a top-four finish and compete for the Europa League and FA Cup. His seven goals this season make him the joint-third-highest scorer at the club, despite starting just 11 games.
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But with a congested schedule seeing the Reds play every few days, Martial's fitness remains a concern. And Keane admits that while the striker's goals are a positive sign, Erik ten Hag cannot rely on him throughout the course of a season.
"The problem, I think the manager’s mentioned it in the last few days, he’s always worried there’s an issue with his fitness," Keane told Sky Sports. "He always seems to be injured. I know when he plays him his goal record is not too bad, but he just can’t depend on him. Listen, of course he’ll get a run as Rashford is injured, and I’m just never sure he likes that responsibility of being the main man. Again, listen, he’ll probably score today [against Forest]."
Ten Hag admitted on Saturday that he wanted to keep Martial at United beyond this season, despite also making a world-class goalscorer his summer priority. The Dutchman insisted his side are better with the Frenchman in it.
"It's difficult to say because the history [with injuries] says different," said Ten Hag. "I want him to be because I think he's a great player - he has definitely the qualities to play in top football - and when he is fit our team play better."
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