Anthony Martial is exactly Man Utd needed, says Red Devils team-mate

Anthony Martial has scored four goals in five outings at Manchester United

ANTHONY MARTIAL is exactly what Manchester United needed, claims team-mate Chris Smalling.

 

The French striker arrived at the Red Devils on transfer deadline day for £36million from Monaco, making him the most expensive teenager in history.

The 19-year-old announced himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a superb solo effort against Liverpool on his debut and has followed it up with another three goals.

 

And Smalling insists Martial is exactly what United needed, having offloaded strikers Javier Hernandez, Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao in the off season.

“If you could ask for a moment to announce yourself on the world stage, it would be in a massive game like Liverpool at home,” Smalling said.

 

“It was a great moment and a lot of people took notice of how well he dribbled at players, how direct he was and how he took his goal.

“That’s something we’ve needed this season. He continued his good form by scoring twice at Southampton and again against Ipswich, so he’s enjoyed a great start to his United career.

 

Chris Smalling has been impressed by Anthony Martial's impact at Manchester United

“In that snippet against Liverpool, you get a real idea of how he is. He is one who is very direct, he is willing to take on players and he is willing to take on that risk.

"I think, in the final third, it is an area where you can take that risk because you can’t take it at the back. He looks a very sharp player.”