Herrera: Martial offers what Rooney and Fellaini can’t

Ian Watson
Anthony Martial: Scored on his debut against Liverpool

Anthony Martial’s speed and ability to run behind defences gives Manchester United an option their other strikers cannot offer, according to Ander Herrera.

The French teenager joined United from Monaco on deadline day from Monaco for an initial fee of £36million, making him the world’s most expensive teenager ever.

Martial came off the bench to make his United debut last weekend against Liverpool and made an instant impression by scoring a stunning solo goal to seal at 3-1 victory for Louis van Gaal’s side.

Van Gaal then gave Martial his first start during the Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven, with the 19-year-old showing some encouraging signs.

Attacking midfielder Herrera believes Martial brings something new to United’s armory, with the France international’s pace offering an added dimension to a threadbare forward line that has been led by Wayne Rooney or Marouane Fellaini.

Herrera told United’s official website: “I think he is a player who has some qualities that the rest haven’t got.

“So I think he can run into the spaces when the midfielders look forward. We are always going to find him because he’s very quick, very mobile, so I think he is a very good player for us and is going to give us different options.”