Manchester United sign youngster Martial from Monaco for $55M

Manchester United completed a deal to sign the 19-year-old French striker Anthony Martial for a fee believed to be worth in excess of $55 million

Posted Wednesday, September 02, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Louis van Gaal took his total expenditure as Manchester United manager to over a quarter of a billion pounds following the signing of Anthony Martial from Monaco.

United failed in their last-minute bid to offload goalkeeper David de Gea to Real Madrid on Monday night, but there were no late hiccups regarding Martial.

The Old Trafford club confirmed on Tuesday afternoon they had completed a deal to sign the 19-year-old French striker for a fee believed to be worth in excess of £36million ($55 million).

He becomes the 12th signing of Van Gaal's reign. In total, the Dutchman has spent around £261million ($400 million) on new additions since he took over as manager last summer.

#mufc is pleased to announce French forward @AnthonyMartial has completed his transfer from Monaco. #WelcomeMartial pic.twitter.com/Eohl6tMOOz

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2015

Martial, 19, becomes the most expensive teenager in the history of football, eclipsing the £30million ($46 million) fee Van Gaal paid for Luke Shaw last year.

Monaco, who signed Martial from Lyon two years ago, rate the player highly, but the Ligue 1 club admitted United's offer was simply too good to turn down.

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev told the club's website: "We wished to keep him this season but Manchester United made an incredible offer that neither Anthony, nor AS Monaco, could refuse.

"Our project showcases many players and Anthony has proven his worth and potential on the pitch. Though this move was not planned, it shows the quality of the work undertaken by the technical staff but also that we were right to recruit him two years ago. We wish Anthony the best for the next chapter in his career".

The forward, who scored 15 goals in 70 appearances for Monaco, has signed a four-year contract, with the option of another year.

Martial said: "I'm so excited to be joining Manchester United. I have enjoyed my time at AS Monaco and I would like to thank them and the fans for everything they have done for me.

"I have always wanted to play in the Premier League and to join the biggest club in the world is what every young footballer dreams of. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and working with Louis van Gaal, who has achieved so much in his career."

Martial may be inexperienced but he is not fazed about the challenges he will face in the Premier League.

"I don't feel the pressure," he told MUTV.

"I know there is pressure but I'm ready for it.

"I'm very proud. I'm very happy because I worked hard for this and my family is very happy about it.

"I spoke with the coach, Louis van Gaal, and I know that I need to work very hard. It's not easy to speak about myself but I am a very fast player. I hope that everything will go well for me at this club."

Van Gaal was delighted to sign his man, but warned not to expect too much too soon from the Frenchman.

He said: "Anthony is a naturally talented, young, multi-functional forward with great potential. We have been watching him for a while now and he has developed immensely during his time at AS Monaco.

"I am delighted he has joined Manchester United as I believe this is the right club for him to continue his development as a young player.
He has all the attributes to become a top football player; however we need to give him time to adjust to his new environment and the rhythm of the Premier League."

United later confirmed that Martial had been given the number nine shirt - the same number he wore for Monaco.

There were no more incomings or outgoings at Old Trafford on deadline day.

James Wilson was linked with a loan move away from the club but that failed to materialise.

And the big-money marquee signing United fans were hoping for never came, which means Van Gaal will have to rely on the likes of Martial, Wayne Rooney, Memphis Depay and Juan Mata to provide the goals to aid United's title push.