Tom Heaton names surprise pick for the best finisher in Man Utd squad

Tom Heaton has named Anthony Martial as the best finisher in the Manchester United squad, giving five reasons why the Frenchman is so impressive in front of goal – at least in training.

Martial, 27, has failed to live up to expectations since joining United in a £36m move from Monaco back in 2015.

While he has managed 88 goals in 299 games for United, fans would have hoped for more from the France international – who was touted as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner early on in his career.

Injuries have hampered his time at Old Trafford, with the striker missing an astonishing 79 games since joining United.

He was an unused substitute in United's win over Wolves in their opening game of the new Premier League season before making a late cameo in the club's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham last time out.

Martial has been linked with a move away from United this summer, following the signing of fellow striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.

But the Frenchman could now be kept as cover, after United opted against bringing Mason Greenwood back into the first-team squad.

Martial has one year left on his deal, with the option of a further year.

United goalkeeper Heaton believes Martial can still play a role for Erik ten Hag, naming him as the best finisher in the squad – ahead of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony.

"For me it would probably be Anthony Martial: he can bend it, he can whip it, he can go with power, he can lift it over you," Heaton told United's website.

"He's got that composure, that sort of calmness in front of goal that makes it difficult for a goalkeeper.

"[As a goalkeeper] you very often want people to take a shot early or to force them into something but with Anthony it's very difficult to affect him, so when he's through on goal it usually ends up in the net."