Anthony Martial

Wayne Rooney: Anthony Martial will be a 'great player' for Man United

Published Sep. 4, 2015 3:40 p.m. ET

foxsports

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney admits he knows little about new teammate Anthony Martial, despite the youngster becoming the world's most expensive teenager.

Louis van Gaal splashed out Â£36 million ($55 million) to buy the winger from Monaco on transfer deadline day.

The deal made waves across the footballing world, but Rooney concedes that, despite the buzz surrounding the 19-year-old, he is largely in the dark about his new teammate.

"I haven't seen much of him play, to be honest, so I can't say too much," Rooney said on the eve of England's Euro 2016 qualifier in San Marino. "He was fantastic against Arsenal last season.

"He's got a lot of ability from what I've seen and I'm sure he'll be a great player for us."

Martial is currently on international duty himself, having been given his first senior call-up by France.

He made no attempt to hide the fact he sees himself as a potential rival for Rooney's place up front this week, admitting he told Van Gaal he prefers to play in a central role.

"He asked me my preferred position," Martial said. "I prefer to play in the centre but he told me I could play in a number of positions - it is the coach who decides but whatever position I play, I will do the best I can."

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Anthony Martial

Wayne Rooney

Monaco

English Premier League