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Anthony Martial will come good for Manchester United, says Claudio Ranieri

Anthony Martial earned Van Gaal praise
Image: Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has scored just five goals since his summer move from Monaco

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri believes Anthony Martial will rediscover his best form for Manchester United.

Ranieri signed Martial for Monaco from Lyon in 2013 before United paid £36m to bring the forward to Old Trafford in August. 

The France international scored four goals in his first four games for United, but has scored just once in his last 14 outings for club and country. 

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Former United midfielder Paul Scholes criticised the 19-year-old for his performance in the goalless draw with PSV Eindhoven, which left the Red Devils' hopes of progressing to the Champions League knockout phase in the balance. 

Scholes accused Martial of not being "bothered" about missing chances against the Dutch side. 

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Claudio Ranieri insists 40 points is still the target for Leicester in the Premier League, despite The Foxes currently occupying top spot

Ranieri understood Scholes' comments and believes Martial can use the remarks to become stronger.

He said: "He is 19 years old. It is right to make criticism - and Scholes made the right criticism - but it will improve his mind. His character is very strong, he is young, but strong. It is important that he is also intelligent and then he can improve.

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Anthony Martial of Manchester United in action
Image: Martial came in for criticism from former United midfielder Paul Scholes following the goalless draw with PSV

"I think his impact for us was amazing. He scored four goals if I remember. I have watched him grow a lot since two or three years ago when I bought him from Lyon. Now he is young, but he is a man.

"Already, three years ago, he knew very well where he will arrive because his focus was to achieve a high level of football in the world. I think he can arrive."

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri
Image: Ranieri believes the visit of United to the King Power Stadium will provide his side with a further test

Leicester host United and Martial on Saturday Night Football on Sky Sports 1 HD from 5pm with the Foxes top of the Premier League, one point ahead of their second-placed visitors.

Ranieri added: "It's the big match of the Premier League this week. We are top of league and in this moment we deserve this. 

"For us, it's another match to see how we have to improve. When we play great teams, great champions, I have to see how our team show the tactics - how we react if we lose a goal, and how we react if we score a goal."

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