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.
The Old Trafford club confirmed on Tuesday they had completed a deal to sign the 19-year-old French striker for a fee believed to be worth in excess of £36million. He becomes the 12th signing of Van Gaal’s reign. In total, the Dutchman has spent around £261million on new additions since he took over as manager last summer.
Martial (19) becomes the most expensive teenager in the history of football, eclipsing the £30million 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 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.
“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.”
