Ex-prolific Manchester United goalscorer backs £36m wonderkid as the club’s first-choice striker

Former Manchester United hero Ruud van Nistelrooy says the club’s new £36million signing Anthony Martial should be the first-choice centre-forward, BBC Sport reports.

The French teenager, who joined the Red Devils from Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco on transfer deadline day earlier this month, enjoyed a dream debut against bitter rivals Liverpool last Saturday as he netted within 20 minutes after coming on a substitute against Old Trafford as he weaved past a number of challenges and found the back of the net with a composed finish.

United boss Louis van Gaal then handed the forward a full debut in their disappointing Champions League defeat at the hands of PSV Eindhoven in midweek due to the absence of captain Wayne Rooney, however, the 19-year-old struggled with the task of leading the line on his own.

Nevertheless, van Nistelrooy believes his old side could benefit from playing Martial through the middle and Rooney occupying a deeper role just behind:

“He looks like the out-and-out striker that is needed,” the Dutchman said.

“It would be a good combination if Martial was up front and Rooney was just off him. That would be a good strike force,” van Nistelrooy added.

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