Ranieri: Martial Can Be Fantastic

Anthony Martial's former boss Claudio Ranieri thinks the Manchester United youngster is set for a "fantastic career" in the Premier League.

Some eyebrows were raised when United forked out a £36m fee, which could rise much higher, to buy the 19-year-old from Monaco on deadline day, but he has already made a big impact.

Having scored a fine goal against Liverpool to wrap up a 3-1 win at Old Trafford, just 20 minutes after coming off the bench for his debut, the Martial was the star of the show at Southampton on Sunday, scoring twice in a 3-2 United victory.

And Leicester boss Ranieri, who managed Monaco between 2012 and 2014 and signed Martial for the principality outfit in 2013, is pleased the striker has made a bright start to his career in England.

I think it was important for him to score a goal," said Ranieri. "He was paid a lot of money and the people expect.

"But let him grow up slowly. He is a fantastic player but it is important he maintain his calm.

"Let him concentrate on his job and I believe he can have a very fantastic career."

Asked if Martial could improve further, Ranieri added: "Yes, but now it is important he shows how he plays.

"At a fantastic moment, he smells it, and switches on."

A smiling Ranieri also took the opportunity to point out that Martial had been quite a shrewd acquisition by his former club.

"I coached him when he was very young," said the experienced Italian boss.

"I got him from Lyon, only 5m (euros). I think that was a good thing for Monaco!"

Credit: Skysports.com