Louis van Gaal reacts to 'ridiculous' Anthony Martial buy as Man Utd boss faces backlash

Van Gaal (left) and his assistant Giggs (centre) could start Martial against Liverpool this weekend

LOUIS VAN GAAL admits Manchester United spent a "ridiculous amount of money" on Anthony Martial.

 

United paid Monaco £36million up front for 19-year-old Martial, with a further £22m available in bonuses and add-ons.

The striker, who earned his first cap for France during the international break last week, may get a place in the Red Devils team for their clash with Liverpool on Saturday (5.30pm).

 

But Van Gaal revealed that the player was not signed solely to make an immediate impact at United.

"It was a ridiculous amount of money, but it's the crazy world we are in," the manager told season ticket holders at Lancashire's Old Trafford cricket ground.

 

"United are routinely quoted £10m more for a player but I have not bought Martial for me.

"I have bought him for the next manager of Manchester United."

Van Gaal was appointed United boss last summer and has insisted he will only stay for three years before retiring from the game.

His assistant, Ryan Giggs, is tipped to take over from the Dutchman in 2017.

 

But Van Gaal may not even last that long if United's current run of form continues.

Pressure is on the boss to get results and defeat against Liverpool would see his record from 51 games equal that of David Moyes' at the same point of his short tenure.

Van Gaal has so far won just 27 of his 50 matches in charge and the Times claim a squad rebellion has taken place.

It is understood senior players have grown dissatisfied with his regime and want to revert back to the attacking style of play enjoyed under Sir Alex Ferguson.

And the Telegraph claim some players are unhappy with the heavy-handed treatment of former defender Rafael and the prominence given to video analyst Max Reckers.