Man United legend: Anthony Martial has invigorated Louis van Gaal's side

Rio Ferdinand has hailed Anthony Martial

MANCHESTER UNITED icon Rio Ferdinand has hailed Anthony Martial for invigorating Louis van Gaal's side.

The France international has hit the ground running since joining United in his £36million deadline day move.

Martial has scored three goals in three Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.

And Ferdinand believes the youngster's style of play has transformed the Old Trafford club.

 

"For me, the most pleasing part has been Anthony Martial’s arrival into the team," Ferdinand wrote in his column for The Sun. 
"He’s lit the place up and invigorated the team with his punch and pace up front.
"Defenders have seen him and what he’s done and they will notice that. It will change the way they think about playing against United.

"Rather than thinking they can go to Old Trafford and step forward, they will take a step back, thinking about him running in behind them.
"When defenders think like that it opens up space for the likes of Juan Mata, Wayne Rooney and Memphis Depay.
"United at their best have always had a striker who could play right up and turn and stretch sides. They can do that by controlling the game.
"Their game is heavily based on possession and, with their potency and ability to push Arsenal back and run in behind, it can create areas for Mata to go into because he loves to orchestrate in those holes."