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The French teenager Martial who cost £36 million, made a dream start to his Manchester United career on his debut against Liverpool by scoring a fantastic solo goal. Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has opined that the youngster should lead the line instead of Rooney, according to ESPN.
Anthony Martial stepped onto the Old Trafford pitch with enormous pressure and a hefty price tag to live up to. The young man had other plans as he introduced himself to the Old Trafford faithful by scoring the winner, having come off the bench against their fiercest rivals. The match ended in 3-1 as the Red Devils bagged all three points at home.
The 19-year-old forward got his first start for the side in their 2-1 defeat to PSV in the Champions League on Tuesday. However, Rooney is set to return from injury for Sunday’ s game at Southampton but Van Nistelrooy suggests the teenager should be deployed as a pure striker instead of the captain.
The Dutch frontman, who scored 150 goals during his five-year spell at United, thinks Rooney playing behind Martial will benefit both of them and could go on to form a deadly attacking duo for United.
"If Martial keeps doing what he did against Liverpool he could be a revelation," Van Nistelrooy said.
"On the other side is it really realistic to expect that from him? Hopefully for United he can be the one. He looks like the out-and-out striker that is needed.”
"Wayne Rooney is playing in that position but I don't think he is an out-and-out striker.”
"Obviously he can fulfill that role and score his goals but it would be a good combination if Martial was up front and Rooney was just off him. That would be a good strike force."
I haven’t heard much about Martial: Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Many eyebrows were raised when United made the deadline day signing of Martial for an initial fee of £36 million which could possibly rise to £58 million with bonuses. Many were unaware of his talent outside France and Van Nistelrooy admits he had not heard much about the forward but is impressed by his pace and eye for goal. However, the Dutchman fears United may still be short up front.
"In four competitions usually the bigger teams have double competition up front but United don't and that is going to be the big question for the season," the 39-year-old said.
"I didn't know anything about Anthony but it could be one of those unexpected successes. He needs time, but he looks like he has a lot of quality."
Manchester United has struggled with goals this season having netted just 3 goals before the win over Liverpool. Ruud Van Nistelrooy thinks the chances are not being converted by the players.
He added: "I don't think I would have found it frustrating in this United side. There are still always chances there."
