'That is his level' - Anthony Martial sent harsh message after joining AEK Athens following Man Utd release

Martial said goodbye to United in May after almost a decade at Old Trafford. The Frenchman arrived from Monaco for £36 million - a then world record fee for a teenager - but never managed to live up to his lofty price tag and saw his career frequently disrupted by injuries. In total he made 317 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 90 times. He left after his contract expired and has now sealed a move to Greek side AEK Athens.

Martial has already received a hero's welcome in Greece, with fans clearly excited by the arrival of the former Manchester United star on a three-year deal. Souness has commented disparagingly of Martial after his move and admits he's been surprised that the Frenchman didn't leave Manchester United a long time ago.

Souness wrote in his Mail+ column: "I noted this week that Anthony Martial has joined AEK Athens in Greece. Maybe, even at 28, that is his level. In his nine seasons at Manchester United, no player better captured the club's malaise. He is the best example of where they have gone wrong. I said about four years ago, entering a new season, that it had to be Martial's last-chance saloon. I cannot believe it was only this summer that he finally left the club.

"Martial is one of those players you would turn up and watch him in training and think, 'What a player'. But talk to any professional, we've all been at clubs with great Monday-to-Friday players. On a Saturday, they go missing. He was the epitome of that. He didn't have the eye of the tiger, it was not in him. He would flatter to deceive. It was as plain as the nose on the end of your face that he wasn't a Manchester United player. And that was obvious after a couple of seasons. He just could not deal with playing for a big club like United, where every game is must-win."

AEK Athens finished as runners-up in the Greek Super League last season and will be hoping the addition of Martial can help them go one better in the current campaign. The team are currently second in the table after four games and return to action on Sunday against Kallithea.