It’s been a fairy tale beginning for Anthony Martial. Hopes are, have been and will continue to be, very high for him. Martial mania really began to ramp up when he announced his arrival with authority versus Liverpool. Martial came on in the 65′ and scored in the 86′; putting United’s arch-rivals on ice.
Old Trafford acquired the teenage striker from Ligue 1 side Monaco for £36 million, making him the third most expensive signing in club history.
It was also a world football breaking record for any teenager. That high price tag obviously comes with astronomical expectations.
Martial, who has drawn comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, received praise from Van Gaal for his talents and abilities. The United boss said there is an additional factor at work as well.
“That is also a little bit of luck but the main thing is his quality.”
“And also because of his fellow players. Also the moment he can play because Liverpool has to come [on the attack] and his qualities are stronger then.”
Martial draws comparisons to the former Gunners striker for numerous, obvious reasons. However, he tries to shy away from those analogies.
The main comparisons made were down to their style of play, as Martial likes to run behind defenders and his ability to calmly score from one-on-ones, something of a trademark for Henry during his playing days.
“I know this is a very great player who is a legend in England. I do not think we have the same characteristics,” Martial told French TV channel BFM.
“Thierry Henry is Thierry Henry. I still have everything to prove. By continuing to work, I will try to reach his level but I am still very far off.”
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