Martial Gives Rooney Options

Former Manchester United assistant manager Steve Round sees no reason why Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial cannot form a formidable strike partnership.

Martial, the most expensive teenager in the game's history after signing for an initial £36m from Monaco this summer, has scored three goals in three games, two of which were during Rooney's absence with injury.

But the pair played in a front three with Memphis Depay that proved too good for Southampton at St Mary's on Sunday, as United ran out 3-2 winners and moved up to second in the Premier League.

Round, who left United along with former manager David Moyes last year, told Sky Sports News HQ: "I don't think playing behind Martial would frustrate Rooney at all. Wayne can play with anybody.

"Wayne can play right up at the top and Martial can drift out to the left or right. Wayne could play as No 10 and Martial could ride up front as a No 9.

"I don't think it will be an issue at all. I think it will be quite a potent strike force. Wayne will form partnerships with all sorts of strikers, as he has done previously in his career."

Sky Sports football expert Ian Holloway also believes Martial can be the "perfect" partner for Rooney because it will lead to the England captain being more influential in games.

"I like to see Rooney get on the ball. He is so good he can play anywhere," Holloway said.

"As a No 10 he creates things and get things. When you look at the passing maps he wasn't allowed to go any deeper and get the ball as a No 9 and I didn't think Manchester United looked quite as potent as they could be.

"And if you ask him I don't think he wants to sprint over the top anymore. He wants a deeper role and to be more involved. I think it will only grow Rooney and England can follow that and put Harry Kane up front."

Credit: Skysports.com