Anthony Martial Repeating His Debut Drama Will Cost Manchester United Big

"Welcome to Manchester United, Anthony Martial..." words shouted by Martin Tyler as the Frenchman went from laughing stock to debut hero in a matter of seconds. A repeat of that on Saturday would cost Manchester United big.

In the summer of 2015 it was obvious that Manchester United wanted to sign a striker but one never arrived at Louis van Gaal's side and then, as if out of nowhere, they bid for relative unknown forward Anthony Martial.

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A price of £58 million was quoted for the former Monaco forward and Van Gaal instantly became a laughing stock for forking out so much for a pretty unproved striker.

Of course that criticism was soon turned on its head. In his debut he came on against Liverpool. Christian Benteke scored in the 84th minute to reduce United's lead to 2-1 but moments later Martial ran through their defence and scoring to make it 3-1 and guarantee the three points.

Once again the Red Devils face their fierce rivals at the weekend with the race to finish second behind Manchester City hotting up. Should Martial grab another goal though it'll cost United big as the Times report it would be his 25th league goal, triggering a £8.9 million payment to Monaco.

Martial enjoyed a flying start at Old Trafford. Image: PA Images.

The £58 million transfer fee first quoted wasn't completely the truth with United only paying the Ligue 1 side £36 million to start with the rest of it being due should he reach certain milestones.

After scoring 24 goals in the Premier League since arriving in Manchester the 22 year-old is just one short of triggering one of the bonus payments, although the one if he wins the Ballon d'Or seems a hell of a long way off.

Martial has 11 goals in all competitions this season. Image: PA Images.

Martial has scored nine Premier League goals so far this term for Mourinho's side and has been a regular starter in the second half of the season up to now but there is still questions about his future at the club.

His contract runs out at the end of next season and talks haven't begun yet and there were reports in France the forward wasn't feeling that appreciated especially with the signing of Alexis Sanchez.

United will hope he signs a new deal and that they're splashing out £8.9 million after Saturday.

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Anthony Martial, Manchester United, Premier League

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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