Van Nistelrooy gives Martial his backing

RUUD van Nistelrooy thinks Anthony Martial should lead the line for Manchester United this season instead of Wayne Rooney.

Teenager Martial, snapped up from Monaco for a fee that could rise to £58m, enjoyed a dream United debut last weekend to score the final goal in the 3–1 win over Liverpool.

Rooney looks set to return from injury for Sunday’s game at Southampton, but he should not lead the line, says Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutch frontman, who scored 150 goals in five years at United, thinks Martial should play that role, with Rooney at number 10.

“If Martial keeps doing what he did against Liverpool he could be a revelation,” Van Nistelrooy said.

“Wayne Rooney is playing in that position, but I don’t think he is an out and out striker. Obviously he can fulfil that role and score goals, but it would be a good combination if Martial was up front and Rooney just off him.”