Anthony Martial can be 'fantastic' for Manchster United, says Claudio Ranieri
Tuesday 22 September 2015 09:02, UK
Anthony Martial's former boss Claudio Ranieri thinks the Manchester United youngster is set for a "fantastic career" in the Premier League.
Some eyebrows were raised when United forked out a £36m fee, which could rise much higher, to buy the 19-year-old from Monaco on deadline day, but he has already made a big impact.
Having scored a fine goal against Liverpool to wrap up a 3-1 win at Old Trafford, just 20 minutes after coming off the bench for his debut, the Martial was the star of the show at Southampton on Sunday, scoring twice in a 3-2 United victory.
And Leicester boss Ranieri, who managed Monaco between 2012 and 2014 and signed Martial for the principality outfit in 2013, is pleased the striker has made a bright start to his career in England.
"I think it was important for him to score a goal," said Ranieri. "He was paid a lot of money and the people expect.
"But let him grow up slowly. He is a fantastic player but it is important he maintain his calm.
"Let him concentrate on his job and I believe he can have a very fantastic career."
Asked if Martial could improve further, Ranieri added: "Yes, but now it is important he shows how he plays.
"At a fantastic moment, he smells it, and switches on."
He is a fantastic player but it is important he maintain his calm. Let him concentrate on his job and I believe he can have a very fantastic career
A smiling Ranieri also took the opportunity to point out that Martial had been quite a shrewd acquisition by his former club.
"I coached him when he was very young," said the experienced Italian boss.
"I got him from Lyon, only 5m (euros). I think that was a good thing for Monaco!"
