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Van Gaal backs Martial to become a 'top player' after striker completes £36m move to United on four-year deal

  • Manchester United complete the signing of Anthony Martial
  • The 19-year-old signed a four-year deal with at Old Trafford
  • Transfer fee from Monaco is £36m but could rise to £58m
  • Martial will wear the No 9 shirt at Manchester United
  • Anthony Martial has completed his £36million move to Manchester United from Monaco in a deal which could rise to £58m.
    The 19-year-old French Under 21 international signed a four-year deal with the club on transfer deadline day.
    He flew to Manchester on Monday to complete his medical and sign the relevant paperwork before United announced the deal on Tuesday.
    Manchester United also have the option to extend the deal for a further year and Martial will wear the No 9 shirt.
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    Manchester United confirmed the signing of Anthony Martial from Monaco on a four-year deal
    The 19-year-old completed a £36m move to Old Trafford from French Ligue 1 club Monaco
    The 19-year-old completed a £36m move to Old Trafford from French Ligue 1 club Monaco
    The 19-year-old completed a £36m move to Old Trafford from French Ligue 1 club Monaco
    Martial at United's Aon Training Complex at Carrington after completing his move to Manchester
    He told Manchester United's official website: '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.'
    Manager Van Gaal 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.
    Teenage striker Martial arrives at Carrington on Monday to undergo his medical ahead of his move
    Teenage striker Martial arrives at Carrington on Monday to undergo his medical ahead of his move
    Martial became the most expensive signing in Manchester United's history at £36million
    Martial became the most expensive signing in Manchester United's history at £36million
    Martial's plane touches down in Manchester on Monday ahead of the youngster's move to Old Trafford
    Martial's plane touches down in Manchester on Monday ahead of the youngster's move to Old Trafford
    '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.'
    United were one of three European giants who had been closely monitoring the progress of Anthony Martial for some time but they did not declare their hand until issuing the first bid on Sunday evening.
    The French club had been determined to keep Martial for at least one more season.
    That was the plan, although the defeat by Valencia last week in the Champions League play-off clearly had some impact on their way of thinking. 
    When United made their move and sensed Monaco might do business, they refused to take no for an answer, adding on bonuses until an agreement was struck.
    Martial played his final game for Monaco in the Champions League qualifier against Valencia
    Martial played his final game for Monaco in the Champions League qualifier against Valencia
    Martial has been courted by several clubs across Europe but Manchester United beat them to the punch
    Martial has been courted by several clubs across Europe but Manchester United beat them to the punch
    Although Old Trafford sources insist the fee is £36million, those closer to the Principality claim the add-ons could take the package as high as £58m.
    They rejected an offer of £20m from Tottenham earlier in the summer and Martial signed an improved five-year contract.
    They knew when he left it would be for one of Europe’s biggest clubs – and for much more money.
    Monaco expect to receive 90 per cent of the add-ons from Manchester United.
    They also expect the other two big clubs to be unhappy, having been assured Martial would not be sold this summer.
    Chelsea are thought to be one – but one thing is clear - no other club was ready to bid anything like what United did for the 19-year-old. 
    Martial was signed two years ago from Lyon, who can expect around £7m as their sell-on from the deal, although the teenager was by no means a secret.
    He was widely regarded as the most-talented French prospect in his age group.

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