MANCHESTER UNITED must keep hold of wantaway forward Anthony Martial if they are to compete with Manchester City.
That’s the verdict of former Old Trafford ace Dimitar Berbatov, who says his old Monaco team-mate is some way off realising his potential.
Martial’s future is in the air this summer after his agent, Philippe Lamboley, revealed he is eager to call time on his Manchester United career.
The saga took another twist on Wednesday as the 22-year-old left United’s pre-season training camp in the US in order to be at the birth of his son.
Express Sport understands United will not do business with Chelsea or Tottenham for Martial, but Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are sniffing around too.
Berbatov has now urged Jose Mourinho to keep hold of Martial as he looks to build a side capable of overhauling Premier League champions City.
“Anthony Martial needs to stay at Old Trafford, we used to play at Monaco together so I know how he plays,” said Berbatov.
“The board and the coach need to get together; he’s not even close to reaching his full potential and United is the best for him.
“He needs to be patient, wait for his chance to play because he’s an unbelievable footballer.
“I hope Jose Mourinho gives him more playing time because he’s one of the best young players in Europe.”
Martial has produced inconsistent form since Mourinho replaced Louis van Gaal at the helm two years ago.
His former United team-mate Wayne Rooney has suggested Mourinho needs to get to know the Frenchman to ensure he delivers.
“I think Martial, ability-wise, is incredible,” said Rooney. “But I think it’s how do you get the best out of him?
“Knowing Anthony the way I know him I think if you can get the best out of him, he’s up there ability-wise with the best in the league.
“I think sometimes it is difficult to get to know him as a person, as a character because of the way he is. But I think once you do get to know him, you just keep him happy.”
Dimitar Berbatov has been announced as a global ambassador for Betfair. You can read more from the former Manchester United ace here.
Source:www.express.co.uk