Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has celebrated the impact newcomers Anthony Martial and Memphis Depay have made to the squad. The two youngsters signed for United last summer for a combined fee of around £60m, and have been relatively impressive so far – especially Martial who Rooney reckons will become one of the best strikers in the world in years to come.

The Frenchman has scored 5 goals in his first 10 games for the Reds and has made a huge impression on the team, with many believing he has turned United into title contenders.

However, Rooney went a step further to praise the forward, who could end up knocking the 30-year-old out of the first team – with Rooney’s form dire at the moment.

“I think he has been incredible, how he has come over to Manchester and started the way he has,” Rooney told United Review.

“Let’s not forget he is still a very young lad as well. To come over with his young family and start the way he has, he deserves a lot of credit.”

“You can see what a good player he is and he’ll be an important player for us from now until the end of the season. He is probably the quickest player in our team, if not the quickest in the league.”

He also involved Memphis, saying he hopes he emulates Ronaldo at United, with Martial emulating himself:

“They are certainly two very good players who have lots of talent and ability.”

“If they keep learning and progressing like they are, then hopefully they will do what me and Ronaldo did back then. It would be great for the team if they can do that.”

“The good thing is that they want to learn and that is good to see in young players. They haven’t come in and just done things the way they want to do them.”

“They are doing things for the team and listening to what the manager is saying to them. I am sure under this manager they will learn a lot and that will help them become top, top players in the world.”

Rooney was also full of praise for Chris Smalling, who has been a star since Van Gaal took over:

“He has been incredible,” Rooney said. “He is in the top three centre-halves in the world – I think he is that good!”

“He is a great player and he is developing to become more of a leader of the back four. It is great to see for both United and England, and hopefully that can continue for him and he can help us to be successful.”

[quotes via sky sports]