Manchester United signs Monaco teen

Anthony Martial, 19, who used to play forward for the French club, Monaco has been signed by Manchester United for £36 million (AU $57.87 million). The fee could even rise to £58 million (AU $93.40 million) as reported by BBC. This deal has made Martial the most expensive teen acquisition, a title which was previously being enjoyed by English defender, Luke Shaw who joined the Reds for a fee of £27 million (AU$ 43.38 million).

The deal was finalized when it was confirmed that the French Club would not be playing Champions League this season after being knocked out by Valencia.

Martial, who has made 70 appearances for AS Monaco and scored 15 goals, has been signed for four years with the option to extend for another year. As a forward, he has also represented his country for several years, from Under-16 level to Under-21 level.

Martial started his career with CO Les Ulis from 2001 and joined AS Monaco in 2009 for a fee of £4.4 million (AU $ 7 million approximately). However, as a result of sell-on clause AS Monaco will now receive £7.35 million (AU $ 11.81 million).

Martial told the official site of Manchester United that he was excited to be a part of Red Devils.

"I am 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 said in the interview with the club’s official site.

"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,” Manchester United’s manager, Louis Van Gaal added, in praise of Martial.

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