Despite Anthony Martial netting the winner in dramatic fashion against Everton in the FA Cup semi final, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal admits that he still sees the Frenchman best deployed on the wing.

He's 'not van Nistelrooy'

Even though Louis van Gaal has continually deployed ex-Monaco man, Martial, as a striker multiple times throughout the season, the Dutchman says that he doesn't believe "he is an out-and-out goalscorer" in the same mold as Manchester United icons "like Ruud van Nistelrooy." The United manager also went on to say that he "likes him on the wing" and the former Barcelona boss seems to be justified as the young forward was able to notch an assist for Marouane Fellaini's goal to open the scoring in United's semi final victory.

Van Gaal did however say that "in the future he might change" as Martial certainly "has the ability" to make the centre-forward position his own.

Martial has enjoyed a solid start to life at Old Trafford | Photo: Getty
Martial has enjoyed a solid start to life at Old Trafford | Photo: Getty

"He can get better"

Furthermore, the manager was quick to praise the “excellent first season in England" that Martial is currently enjoying, adding "he can only get better with age and experience." The often under-fire manager stated that he "can improve further" and there there were "things in his game that he can work on." However, he gave praise to the talented youngster by saying: "the best way to improve is to play at a higher level" and van Gaal was adament in stating "that is what he is doing."

Van Gaal's faith in Martial seems justified now despite a few doubts creeping in from the media shortly after the Frenchman moved to Old Trafford last summer. In 45 total appearances with the Red Devils this season the French international Martial, who was signed from Monaco in the summer for large fee, has netted 14 goals thus far.

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About the author
Steve Ewin
Steve is a multi-lingual sports historian. He is currently completing his degree.