Anthony Martial became the talk of the town couple of weeks back when Manchester United broke the bank to sign the highly rated 19-year old French youngster for £36m, the highest United have shelled out for a teenager since Luke Shaw.
Recently called up to the French National team after two impressive seasons with AS Monaco, Martial is one of the most promising young players in Europe. And having announced himself to the Stretford End with a stunning goal against Liverpool, Martial will be looking to prove his credentials on a consistent basis in the Premier League.
But yet, not many knew who Martial is until his big money move to Old Trafford. For one, Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney had no idea who his new teammate was until Morgan Schneiderlin enlightened his skipper about his France teammate.
So, Manchester United, how well do you know your latest big money signing?
Here are some little-known facts about the man they call the ‘New Thierry Henry’. His French under-21 coach Pierre Mankowski, was one of the first to make the Henry comparisons. Mankowski played a crucial role in Martial’s development at a very tender age.
- Martial scored 32 goals in 21 games for Olympique Lyonnais at the youth level before breaking into the first team in the 2012-13 season.
- And it wasn’t long until he made his professional debut for Lyon in an Europa League tie against Hapoel Irani Kiryat Shmona, at the age of 17.
- AS Monaco acquired the youngster for 4.4 million pounds, with a sell-out clause inserted in the agreement. As a result, Lyon took home a decent share of the 36 million pounds United spent on Martial.
Reprise parfaite d’@AnthonyMartial sur un centre impeccable !!! pic.twitter.com/sPbpzXMLSD
— AS MONACO (@AS_Monaco) July 7, 2015
- Martial has made 60 appearances for AS Monaco in two seasons, scoring 13 goals and creating a further five. Remember his assist to Berbatov against Arsenal at the Emirates last season?
- Martial is the most prolific teenage goalscorer in one of Europe’s Top 5 leagues since the start of the 2014-15 season with 9 goals to his name.
- Martial married his childhood sweetheart Samantha and the couple have an infant daughter named Toto. Currently they are expecting a second child.