Man Utd reinforce frontline with Monaco’s Anthony Martial

Manchester United, 12/1 with Coral to win the Premier League, have nabbed Monaco marksman Anthony Martial for a fee believed to be around £36.6m – a world record for a teenager.

Young poaching prodigy Martial, 19, has penned an four-year deal at Old Trafford after the French Football Federation allowed the striker to leave his international post to complete his switch.

Martial said: “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.”

Louis van Gaal, meanwhile, added: “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.”

Martial joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a further year. More: http://t.co/SdJPSsV691 #WelcomeMartial

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2015

It seems as though the Red Devils moved quickly to snare the teenager after being sunk by Swansea City at the weekend.

Man Utd have found goals hard to come by, with both Robin van Persie and Monaco loan star Radamel Falcao being offloaded over summer.

Now, with Wayne Rooney struggling as a loan frontman, the Mancunians have moved for Martial despite the high pricetag.

The promising forward scored nine and assisted four in 31 Ligue 1 appearances for the principality club last campaign, and is one of France’s most highly-rated future international forwards.

Tipped to win a first senior Les Bleus cap over the international break, Martial caught the eye of Europe’s elite with his excellent movement and raw pace.

An impressive athlete and fine finisher, Martial can be deployed to lead the line or support a frontman on either flank, with his versatility likely appealing to Louis van Gaal.

The youngster becomes United’s sixth signing of the summer, as Van Gaal will be hoping he can spark the Premier League giants’ stagnant attack.

Martial’s arrival comes as fellow young-gun Adnan Januzaj has left on loan to Borussia Dortmund, while forward Javier Hernandez was sold to Bayer Leverkusen.