Manchester United's £58m man Anthony Martial reveals his best ever team, his three footballing heroes... and why that goal against Liverpool is his No 1

By Jack Bezants for MailOnline

Published: 07:37 EST, 20 November 2015 | Updated: 09:51 EST, 20 November 2015

Anthony Martial believes his strike against Liverpool on his Manchester United debut earlier this season is the best goal of his career so far.

There were question marks around United's decision to sanction a deal which may rise to £58million for the 19-year-old from Monaco when he replaced Juan Mata after 65 minutes in September for his debut.

But with four minutes left in the game, Martial collected the ball wide on the left at Old Trafford, weaved inside, slalomed between Martin Skrtel and Nathaniel Clyne and slotted clinically past Simon Mignolet.

Martial said his goal against Liverpool helped him make his name in Manchester
Martial said his goal against Liverpool helped him make his name in Manchester

Anthony Martial says his debut goal for Manchester United against Liverpool is he greatest so far

Martial came on as a substitute to make his United debut against Liverpool and scored in the 3-1 win

Martial came on as a substitute to make his United debut against Liverpool and scored in the 3-1 win

Martial scored the third goal for United against Liverpool. a stunning solo effort in the 86th minute

Martial scored the third goal for United against Liverpool. a stunning solo effort in the 86th minute

Martial's move from Monaco to United could end up costing the Old Trafford club £58million

Martial's move from Monaco to United could end up costing the Old Trafford club £58million

It is arguably the finest entrance by any United player - a stunning solo effort against fierce rivals Liverpool to seal an emphatic 3-1 Premier League victory - and Martial is aware of the significance.

'I think the greatest goal I’ve ever scored is the one against Liverpool,' Martial said. 'It was amazing for me and it really made my name in the Manchester team.'

The France international has no problem blocking out the expectation that comes with playing for United and his national team when he takes to the field of play - but revealed the support from United fans helps him fend off tiredness in the latter stages of matches.

'When I get onto the pitch, I block out everything around it and I really focus on the pitch,' Martial said. 'It’s like the stadium is empty and I’m really focused on my team and the opposing team.

'The best thing about playing football is making fans happy. The supporters help us a lot out on the pitch. 

'The atmosphere at Old Trafford is really unique and when you’re a bit tired, they really help you, they shout out your name and that gives you extra energy. It is also because of them that I’ve adapted easily to Manchester.'

Martial says the United supporters give him energy in games and have helped him adapt to Manchester life

Martial says the United supporters give him energy in games and have helped him adapt to Manchester life

The France international added he finds it easy to block out pressure when he is on the football pitch

The France international added he finds it easy to block out pressure when he is on the football pitch

Martial says the Barcelona side under Pep Guardiola is his favourite team of all time

Martial says the Barcelona side under Pep Guardiola is his favourite team of all time

Martial says that the all-conquering Barcelona side under Pep Guardiola is his favourite team of all time due to their football philosophy. 

The possession based, attacking style implemented by Guardiola is a far cry from the stern defensive-based game Martial's boss at United, Louis van Gaal, oversees. 

The young striker's three favourite players of all time includes Ronaldo - but not the one that was a favourite at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager of the club.

'I think the best team I’ve seen play is Barca during Pep Guardiola’s time,' Martial revealed. 'I loved their game philosophy. They had great players in every position and it really made you want to play football when you watched them play.

'My three favourite players were Ronaldo, the Brazilian, Ronaldinho and (Zinedine) Zidane because they’re players who were beautiful to watch play and they’re ones who made me want to play football.' 

Martial lists Ronaldo, the iconic Brazil striker, as one of his three favourite players of all time

Martial lists Ronaldo, the iconic Brazil striker, as one of his three favourite players of all time

Antony Martial left Wembey on crutches on Tuesday after France were beaten 2-0 by England at Wembley
Martial is out of United match against Watford this weekend

Martial left Wembey on crutches on Tuesday after France were beaten 2-0 by England at Wembley

Martial is out of United's game against Watford on Saturday through injury.

He left Wembley on crutches after France's 2-0 defeat by England. Van Gaal said he could have featured but 'it is better for him if he doesn't.'

 

Anthony Martial was speaking to Foot Locker in an exclusive interview to help launch the Week of Greatness 

 

 

 

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