Louis van Gaal took his total expenditure as Manchester United manager to over a quarter of a billion pounds following the signing of Anthony Martial from Monaco.
United failed in their last-minute bid to offload goalkeeper David de Gea to Real Madrid on Monday night, but there were no late hiccups regarding Martial.
The Old Trafford club confirmed on Tuesday afternoon they had completed a deal to sign the 19-year-old French striker for an initial fee of £36million/€50m (Dh202m), rising to £58m/¤80m (Dh326m) depending on performance-related bonuses. He becomes the 12th signing of Van Gaal’s reign.
Hear from @AnthonyMartial as he talks to #MUTV in his first United interview… #WelcomeMartial https://t.co/xHQbteLK43
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 1, 2015
In total, the Dutchman has spent around £261m (Dh1.5bn) on new additions since he took over last summer.
Martial, 19, also becomes the most expensive teenager in the history of football but insists he is not fazed about the challenge he will face in the Premier League.
“I don’t feel the pressure,” he told MUTV. “I know there is pressure but I’m ready for it. I’m very proud. I’m very happy because I worked hard for this and my family is very happy about it.
“I spoke with the coach, Louis van Gaal, and I know that I need to work very hard. It’s not easy to speak about myself but I am a very fast player. I hope that everything will go well for me at this club.”
Monaco, who signed Martial from Lyon two years ago for just €5m (Dh20.7m), rate the player highly, but the Ligue 1 club admitted United’s offer was simply too good to turn down.
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Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev told the club’s website: “We wished to keep him this season but Manchester United made an incredible offer that neither Anthony, nor AS Monaco, could refuse.
“Our project showcases many players and Anthony has proven his worth and potential on the pitch. Though this move was not planned, it shows the quality of the work undertaken by the technical staff but also that we were right to recruit him two years ago. We wish Anthony the best for the next chapter in his career”.
The forward, who scored 15 goals in 70 appearances for Monaco, has signed a four-year contract, with the option of another year.
Martial, who has been given the No 9 shirt, the same number he wore at Monaco, added: “I’m so excited to be joining Manchester United. I have enjoyed my time at AS Monaco and I would like to thank them and the fans for everything they have done for me.
“I have always wanted to play in the Premier League and to join the biggest club in the world is what every young footballer dreams of. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and working with Louis van Gaal, who has achieved so much in his career.”
Van Gaal was delighted to sign his man, but warned not to expect too much too soon from the Frenchman, who will now return to the French national team camp.
He said: “Anthony is a naturally talented, young, multi-functional forward with great potential. We have been watching him for a while now and he has developed immensely during his time at Monaco.
“I am delighted he has joined Manchester United as I believe this is the right club for him to continue his development as a young player.
“He has all the attributes to become a top football player; however we need to give him time to adjust to his new environment and the rhythm of the Premier League.”
