Manchester United’s Anthony Martial: I’m far from being the next Thierry Henry

Anthony Martial has insisted he is ‘far from’ being the next Thierry Henry after proving an instant hit at Manchester United.

The 19-year-old moved to Old Trafford for a fee that could reach as much as £58 million, an expense heavily criticised at the time, and while it’s still early to tell whether he will ever fully repay the club’s faith the striker has got off to an electric start.

After scoring with his first touches in English football to secure victory over rivals Liverpool, Martial has gone on to net four goals in his first seven appearances for the club.

His form and history, having arrived from AS Monaco, has seen him likened to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, but Martial has been quick to distance himself from his esteemed countryman.

Speaking to French radio station RMC, Martial said: "Thierry Henry? He is a legend in England. I have everything left to prove.”

"Maybe, with hard work, I will finally reach Henry's level. But at the moment, I'm far from it."

Questions were raised in his homeland regarding whether a move to Old Trafford would hinder his development, but Martial insists that he was always confident of being chances by Louis van Gaal – he just had to make sure he took them.

"Manchester United they are amongst the 5 best clubs in the world," he continued.

"I also really wanted to continue to play in the Champions League. This is what made my decision. And I know Van Gaal wanted me. That's what motivated me to take a decision.

"It was very important to show the coach that he could trust me. I knew that at Manchester United I would have my chance, it was just a matter of grabbing it.”

"It's much faster in England, there is a lot of intensity but that's what I was looking for."