Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has hailed former United manager Louis Van Gaal for improving him as a player. Van Gaal signed the French forward from AS Monaco last summer, making him the most expensive teenager in the world.
The Dutchman was able to work with Martial for only one season as he was sacked after winning the FA Cup in May. The French international is though grateful to Van Gaal for what he has done for him during his tenure at United. Martial also revealed that he is looking forward to an exciting season for the Old Trafford side.
Relationship with Van Gaal was fantastic
The French forward was United’s best outfield player last season as he scored 17 goals in all competition. He burst on to Premier League stage with a brilliant individual goal against Liverpool in his debut game. Martial believes that he “had a great relationship with Van Gaal.” The 20 year old also believes that Dutchman made him better player.
Martial further added “Van Gaal always demanded perfection from me.” The Frenchman revealed that the former manager “always showed videos together with his assistant, even when I had scored a double to point out the things I had done wrong.” He admitted that it was annoying at times, but the manager was doing it for his good.
Martial excited to work with Mourinho
Jose Mourinho kicked off his reign as United manager with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Sunday. Martial played a pivotal role in the win as he bagged two assists in the game. The forward admitted that “Mourinho is a great coach and he has won many titles in his career.” Martial further added that he “does not really know him personally yet, but I know how much he has won.”
The forward is likely to continue on the left flank this year due to signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He believes that he could improve under Mourinho as the latter “has worked with great players and helped them improve and develop.” United now gear up for their first home game against Southampton on Friday.
