Graeme Souness makes comparison between Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba and says pair ‘could not handle the pressure’ at Manchester United

Anthony Martial cannot handle the pressure of playing for Manchester United, just like Paul Pogba, according to Graeme Souness.

The Liverpool legend joined White and Jordan on talkSPORT Monday and gave his assessments following the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

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Martial is set to play a key role for Ten Hag this season

Of course, one of the major talking points was United’s 2-1 defeat in Erik ten Hag’s first game in charge.

There is doom and gloom around Old Trafford already, especially with speculation still surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s future.

Anthony Martial impressed in pre-season, but missed the loss to Brighton through injury, with Ten Hag opting to give Christian Eriksen his United debut as a false No.9 in his place.

Souness believes the very fact United missed the Frenchman so much in their forward line shows that the Red Devils’ recruitment has not been up to scratch, saying it’s delusional to believe Martial is the answer.

He told talkSPORT: “In United’s case, they’ve not really recruited any game changers. When you are talking about ‘we are going to miss Martial’, how many opportunities is that young man going to get to be a Manchester United player?

“He’s proven already to me he’s not for Man United. He can’t deal with the pressure of playing at Man United.

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Souness gave his verdict on Martial at United

“Man United are one of the biggest clubs in the world. They are in a cup final every time they go out and play a game of football.

“As Liverpool are, as Chelsea are as Man City are now. Welcome to the big league.”

Pogba left the club on a free transfer in the summer, returning to Juventus six years after leaving for Old Trafford in an £89m deal.

Pogba showed flashes of what made him a world beater in a United shirt, but never realised his full potential.

And Souness sees comparisons between Pogba and Martial.

“It’s a bit like Pogba,” Souness continued. “I see both of them and I see players in them and qualities that few players possess.

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Pogba left United on a free transfer for the second time this summer

“But it’s on their terms and they pick and choose when they use it.

“When you play for a big club you cannot be like that. When you are at a big club you play in a cup final every week.

“These players are not up for that, they’re not up for the fight. There’s no good being a great player in training or being a great player once every six or seven games.

“You’re at a big club because you want to win things and want to be challenging all the time. In basic terms, they are dodgy.

“They are not people you can rely on… end of.

“I don’t think you can rely on Martial any more, not that you ever could. He’s been far too hit or miss.”

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