Manchester United star Anthony Martial’s career has stalled because of injuries, claims Juan Mata.
Mata sang Martial’s praises as he plays his favourite kind of football on the pitch and hinted that he would be at a different level right now if he had remained fit.
The France international joined United in 2015 and has shown a lot of ability as well as promise for the future ever since his stunning debut which saw him scoring against rivals Liverpool.
However, the striker suffered a groin injury last season against Paris Saint-Germain and then sustained a thigh strain during the Red Devils’ defeat to Crystal Palace in August.
The 23-year-old hasn’t featured for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side since then and is now trying to be fit in time for Sunday’s derby against Liverpool at Old Trafford (4.30pm).
Mata was full of praise of his team-mate and hinted that injuries have temporarily pulled the breaks on his immense ability.
The Spain international told Manchester Evening News: “It’s just the way I like football and the way I like him as a player.
“He can win a game by himself because he has this quality of overtaking players one against one, he’s got quality with the ball.
“I enjoy playing with these kind of players, which is one-twos, and they make the play better.
“He’s very good, he’s a very talented player.
“He’s been unlucky now with injuries.
“When I say predilection it’s because I like to watch him play, I like to play with him and I like the way he is also and the way he plays, also.”
Martial had a strong start to the season with two goals in three Premier League appearances before his injury.
The Frenchman has so far netted a total of 50 goals in 177 appearances for United.
