Deschamps ‘missing out’ on Martial, says Young

ANTHONY Martial is still part of Didier Deschamps’ plans despite the French national team manager not selecting him for the latest round of internationals.

The United attacker has not been selected for his country since last year was yet again left out by Deschamps for France’s games against Moldova and Albania despite his recent good form since returning from injury.

But Deschamps said the 23-year-old is still in his plans.

“He was part of the French team on a regular basis, but recently he was often injured,” Deschamps said.

“He came back not so long ago and it’s going well in his role as a central striker with Manchester United. For a long time he’s been part of the players likely to be called up.”

The decision to leave Martial out was criticised by United captain Ashley Young who believed it was an error on Deschamps’ part.

“The way Anthony plays with Marcus (Rashford) is unplayable at times. Anthony was a big miss when he was injured,” Young said. ”You can see he is a natural goalscorer. For me I think France are missing out - I can’t understand why he’s not in their squad. That is up to them but he can only get better.”

Martial has been in fine form since recovering from an injury which kept him sidelined for eight weeks and Daniel James hailed the Frenchman’s impact since returning to the starting XI.

“Since he’s come back in we’ve got that focal point,” James said after the win over Brighton. “He’s a great link-up player. He can come short or go in behind. It’s been important for me and for Marcus since he’s come back into the team to get that interlink.

“Since he’s come back he’s got goals and he’s got assists and he’s been great for us.”