It has been revealed by Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal now that he convinced executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to sign young Frenchman Anthony Martial after stating that the 19 year old striker was the best player in his age group. The Red Devils’ boss has honestly told the club’s fans not to expect miracles, though the teenager cost £36m.
Martial moved from Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco to Old Trafford and the recently-capped France international is surely being considered a star for the future rather.
However, the pressure on the youngster would be great as he is expected to compete with the United skipper Wayne Rooney for a place in the starting eleven and was given the number nine shirt as well.
Speaking about the move that might eventually cost the club £58m and what the French striker can possibly achieve in Manchester, Van Gaal told the Guardian, “There is a market and a market price and we cannot have any influence on that price.”
“I said to Ed [Woodward, the executive vice-chairman] that he is the best of his age and we need a striker for the future. We could wait a year and pay another £10m. I imagine the fans think, ‘£50m, he has to score.’ No, he is 19 and he has to adapt.”