Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha has forecast that Anthony Martial will be a menacing threat for the Red Devils this season.
19-year-old Martial moved to Old Trafford during the summer, completing a move from AS Monaco for a £36 million fee. The transfer may ultimately cost United £58 million including ad-ons [BBC Sport].
Despite the immense fee, the young forward has not yet truly proved himself in the world game; he managed only nine goals in Ligue 1 has season, and was uncapped when he moved to Old Trafford. Regardless of his lack of experience, Louis van Gaal clearly thinks that the forward had enough about him to be a big hit in the Premier League.
While some figures in the game—namely Ray Parlour [Sky Sports] and Thierry Henry [Express]—have doubted whether the attacker can be a hit in the EPL, Saha has backed his compatriot to thrive in England.
“I’m a big fan of his,” the retired striker began, speaking to talkSPORT.
“I think he’s got the quality van Gaal requires and I’m not surprised they went for him. It’s a good choice.
“He will bring speed and unpredictability [to the team] and they are the things missing at the moment—someone who is capable of doing things you’re not expecting, beating three or four players on his own and creating his own chances. He can really ease the pressure on the player up front because he can hold the ball up.
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“He’s strong and can do that. United need someone who can surprise teams. Sometimes coaches can read the gameplan of van Gaal a bit too easily, but with this player that’s not possible”
37-year-old Saha represented United for four seasons between 2004 and 2008, sandwiched in between spells at Fulham and Everton. He won two Premier League titles with the Red Devils, the 2006 League Cup and was a member of the Red Devils squad that won the Champions League in 2008.