Anthony Martial can emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Monday 11 February 2019 12:46, UK
Anthony Martial has the ability to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Martial became the most expensive teenager in history when he moved to Old Trafford from Monaco in 2015 and he has largely impressed during his time at the club, scoring 47 goals in 164 appearances.
However, the France international looked set to leave in the summer after falling out with Jose Mourinho earlier this season, but he fought his way back into the Portuguese's plans before signing a new long-term deal last month under Solskjaer.
The 23-year-old marked his first start since that contract with an assist and a superb goal in the 3-0 win against Fulham, where his fine solo effort led ex-United captain Gary Neville to compare it to a Ronaldo effort at Craven Cottage in 2007.
"Yes, it was towards the end of the game and we played a very poor game and Cristiano scored it," Solskjaer said of his former team-mate's goal.
Trending
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Bayern want Dortmund's English winger Gittens
- PL Predictions: Forest to turn up heat on stubborn Ange
- Tarkowski: Everton are confident of getting result at Man City
- Liverpool latest: Slot says it's 'so hard' to win a league
- Littler targets nine-dart history: 'It's becoming a frustration'
- Amorim: Man Utd are maybe in one of their lowest moments
- How does a 'different' Arsenal cope without Saka?
- Man Utd latest: Dalot spends Christmas Eve helping homeless
- Is this the man to dethrone Usyk? 'He would knock him out!'
- Maresca content for Mudryk to 'disconnect' after provisional suspension
"He [Martial] does have similarities, of course. If he wants to be at Cristiano's level, Anthony knows what he has to do. It's up to him. He has the talent."
Martial has scored nine goals in the Premier League already this season, two short of the total he managed in his debut season at the club, and Solskjaer believes the forward belongs at Old Trafford.
"I am glad he is in my team," the Norwegian added. "He has contributed to so many chances, so many goals.
"He is a Manchester United player. He excites the crowd. He excites the manager. He excites his team-mates. And he is a great character around the place."