Edwin van der Sar names the one Man Utd player who is a "potential world star"

Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar labelled winger Antony a “potential world star”.

The former Man Utd shot-stopper and Ajax CEO heaped praise on the Brazilian winger as well as centre-back Lisandro Martinez following their moves to Old Trafford last summer.

Antony signed for the Red Devils from the Amsterdam club for a whopping £86million in August to become the second most expensive player in Old Trafford history, behind Paul Pogba.

Meanwhile, Man Utd paid a guaranteed €57.37million (£48.3million) for Martinez, with an additional €10million (£8.4million) in potential add-ons.

The Dutch champions were reluctant to sell both players but were ultimately buckled over the size of the respective bids. Van der Sar has since lauded both players, and labelled Antony a future “world star”.

Antony a “potential world star”

Antony has impressed since making the move to Old Trafford, netting three goals in his first three outings.

The 22-year-old has been quick to adjust to Erik ten Hag’s tactical demands, having played for the Man Utd manager for two years at Ajax.

On Antony, Van der Sar told the Athletic: “He’s still young, still potential.

“We would have liked to keep him here one year longer — there was not a dire need to sell him, we had money in the bank — but the fee got so high.

“We challenged United to go as far as possible. They have a potential world star.”

Martinez impressive at the back

The diminutive centre-back was the subject of much criticism upon making the move to Manchester.

Standing at five-foot-nine-inches, 175cm, there were initial doubts over the player’s ability to compete physically in the Premier league.

Martinez’s bumpy start to life as a Red Devil only worsened when he was hooked at half-time as Man Utd were demolished by Brentford 4-0 in August.

Despite initial doubt,s Martinez has proved his worth at Old Trafford.

Van der Sar said: “You know in hindsight that managers like the players they work with, the type of football Erik wanted to play, and with Martinez there he has shown his worth now.

“There were question marks initially, but the way he can read the game, how aggressive he is — what he doesn’t have in centimetres he makes up for in other qualities.”

Topics: Football, Antony, Manchester United, Lisandro Martinez, Edwin Van Der Sar

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.