Manchester United’s teenage sensation Anthony Martial has revealed that he is learning from United captain Wayne Rooney.

On lining up next to United’s number 10, Martial has stated that Rooney has helped him a great deal since his arrival at Old Trafford. He said: “It’s always nice. It allows me to keep improving and also to feel more relaxed when playing alongside him.

When you see someone like Rooney, you feel that bit more confident.”

The young Frenchman has arguably been United’s player of the season so far, after impressing in his first season with United, having joined from  AS Monaco in the summer for a fee which could rise to around a staggering £60 million.

Martial made an instant impression on the United faithful after scoring against rivals Liverpool on his debut back in September.

Martial scored on his debut against Liverpool (photo: Reuters)

More game time than expected 

It was not expected that the youngster would be as regular a figure as he has been in Louis van Gaal’s side, after all, he is just 20 years of age.

However with United crying out for creativity, Martial is one of the first names on the team sheet as he proves that his age does not hinder his performance level in one of Europe’s toughest leagues.

The youngster registered nine goals in all competitions so far leaving him five goals behind his captain who has scored 14 goals this season.

Although by trade Martial is known as a striker, he possesses the pace and the quality to play on the left-hand side, which is where he has found himself for the majority of his debut season, as captain Rooney has hit impressive form through the middle linking well with the young Frenchman.

A future great?

After being likened to greats such as Thierry Henry, Martial’s performances have given hope to United fans that he will progress to become a world class footballer, and will be a figure point of United’s attacking line-up for years to come as they look to return to the chase for trophies.

Martial is once again expected to start for United at the weekend as the red devils travel to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light as van Gaal’s side look to return to winning ways after drawing against Chelsea last time out. 

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About the author
Ben Strange
Sports journalism at Southampton Solent University