Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial told they ‘could not handle the pressure’ at Manchester United

Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba have been blasted and told they could not handle the pressure of playing for Manchester United. 

Whilst Pogba is no longer a player for United, Martial is not someone Erik ten Hag can rely on if they are to challenge for the top honours, according to former Liverpool player and manager Graeme Souness. 

Souness told White and Jordan on 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.

“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.”

Souness then made a comparison with French international midfielder Pogba, who left the club this summer after another underwhelming spell at Old Trafford. 

He added: “It’s a bit like Pogba. I see both of them and I see players in them and qualities that few players possess. But it’s on their terms and they pick and choose when they use it.

“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.”

Souness added: “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.” 

Martial was impressive during the club’s pre season but missed their first game of the Premier League season against Brighton through injury. Since he joined United from Monaco back in 2015, Martial has made a total of 269 appearances across all competitions, scoring 79 times.

With Cristiano Ronaldo not match fit, Ten Hag decided to play Christian Eriksen in the false nine position. The decision backfired horribly as United found themselves 2-0 down at half time.

Ronaldo came on in the second half and things started to improve, but it was too late as Brighton managed to hold on for a famous win.

All eyes will be on United’s next match as they travel to Brentford this weekend.