Manchester United have officially announced the signing of 19-year-old Anthony Martial. The striker has signed from Monaco for £36 million – making him the most expensive teenager in footballing history.

Anthony 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.”

Martial, 19, made 70 appearances for AS Monaco since joining in 2013 and has scored 15 goals. The forward has represented his country at every level from the Under-16’s to the Under-21’s, and was recently called up to France’s senior national side this summer.

France coach Didier Deschamps, who has given Martial his call-up, revealed he had allowed the Frenchman to travel to England and complete a deal with the Manchester club. He described the youngster as a player with good potential.

“He plays centrally, but often drifts into wide positions, more on the left than the right.”

“He’s got a good combination of pace and power. He’s a young player obviously, but he’s got an interesting profile in an area where it’s not easy to find players with both strength and speed.”

“He’s got good potential and I want to see how he does with the squad”.

Martial is a player likened to Thierry Henry by many, and Van Gaal has revealed how he has been a fan of the youngster for some time.

“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.” said Van Gaal.

“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.”

[Quotes via ManUtd.com and BBC Sport]