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Kylian Mbappe told not to follow in Anthony Martial's footsteps

Kylian Mbappe Lottin celebrates after scoring a goal during the French Ligue 1 football match between AS Monaco and Metz
Image: Kylian Mbappe is one of the hottest prospects in world football

Kylian Mbappe should study how Anthony Martial has progressed at Manchester United before deciding whether to leave Monaco, according to former French international Youri Djorkaeff.

United made Martial the world's most expensive teenager in September 2015 when they signed him from Monaco for an initial fee of £36m - and he was an immediate success.

Martial was United's top scorer in the Premier League with 11 goals and he made 31 appearances during his debut campaign.

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However, the emergence of Marcus Rashford and the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic has prompted Jose Mourinho to select him on the left wing rather than as a central striker.

This season the 21-year-old has been limited to 16 Premier League appearances and managed just three goals.

Anthony Martial has disputed speculation on his United future
Image: Anthony Martial has seen his playing time limited under Jose Mourinho

Mbappe has superseded Martial as the darling of French football with his scintillating displays for Monaco this season.

His vast potential means he would have his pick of top European clubs this summer should he elect to leave Monaco but Djorkaeff believes the fortunes of Martial at United should serve as a cautionary tale.

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When asked about Mbappe moving, Djorkaeff told French newspaper Le Figaro: "If I were the president of PSG, I would sign him, but I would not be the only one [in for him].

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"He has tremendous potential, but he must be in the right conditions.

"Look at [Anthony] Martial, when you go to a big club, you have to adapt and discover something else. Mbappe must pay attention to all this."

Mbappe has scored 13 goals in 12 appearances since the beginning of February, including strikes in both legs of Monaco's victory over Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Kylian Mbappe during a France training session
Image: Mbappe during a France training session

His form - which has earned him a call-up for France - is all the more impressive given he only turned 18 in December.

"He astonishes everyone in his maturity of play and understanding," Djorkaeff said.

"It is very rare for a youth to have an understanding of the game and what is happening. Normally, it comes with experience. He already has this facet.

"He combines performance and intelligence of game. That's why [Didier] Deschamps summoned him.

"I am surprised by his continuity over the last few weeks. It is not easy to chain matches of this level to such an age."

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