Revealed: Why Man United were forced to pay over the odds for Anthony Martial a year early

Anthony Martial will wear the number nine shirt at Manchester United

MANCHESTER UNITED paid over the odds for French wonderboy Anthony Martial to ensure they beat their major European rivals to his signature.

 

United acknowledge the £36million fee – which sources in France claim could rise to £58m with add-ons – for the 19-year-old striker is high for such a young player.

 

But senior sources at Old Trafford say they felt they had to act now to ensure they landed Martial ahead of Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, all of whom were tracking him.

It is understood that United, who targeted Martial last season, wanted to wait another year before making a move for him but their hand was forced by interest from rival clubs.

 

Despite the price, boss Louis van Gaal believes Martial has the potential to become a world-class player, hence their willingness to pay so much.

Their confidence is demonstrated by the fact that one of the bonuses they will have to pay to Monaco is if he ever lifts the Ballon D’Or for being voted Europe’s best player.

Van Gaal said: “Anthony is a naturally talented, young, multi-functional forward with great potential. He has all the attributes to become a top football player, but we need to give him time to adjust to his new environment.”