Anthony Martial needs time, says Man Utd team-mate Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick insists Manchester United fans must be patient with striker Anthony Martial as he struggles for consistency.

The France international has seen a recent dip in form after scoring just once in his last seven games, a goal that came in United's 3-0 victory over Stoke earlier this month.   

But Manchester United's vice-captain Carrick insists supporters must allow him to find his feet in English football, hinting at what is to come.

"We have to understand that sometimes he might not be that shining light and have days when it's not quite happening for him and that's understandable," Carrick told the club's official website.

"But over time he'll improve and I've seen a big improvement already in this short time. Hopefully, that trend will continue and he'll get better and better."

Martial has scored nine goals in 30 appearances since his arrival at Old Trafford last summer, when he became the world's most expensive teenager after a £36m switch from Monaco.  

But despite his dip in form in recent weeks, Carrick insists the 20-year-old has the football world at his feet.

"The amount of ability he's got is huge," Carrick added. "The potential is certainly there. It's easy to forget the age he is and how little football he's actually played as well.

"To have such an impact at this stage, with the expectations based on him and the way he's dealt with it, has been superb."