Manchester United: Louis van Gaal predicts bright future for £36m Anthony Martial

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal said he predicted a bright future for forward Anthony Martial, but does not expect him to maintain his exceptional form. Martial became the most expensive teenager in football after moving from Monaco for £36m, which could rise to £58m with add-ons.

"When you are that age you cannot expect consistency from a player," said Van Gaal, after United's 3-2 win over Southampton on 20 September. "Emotionally they shall have a lot of dips so that I expect also from him, but that is not a big problem for me. I'm happy he's adapted to the system – how we want to play – that's also important, because not every player can adapt in that system, and he shows that he wants to do that and that he can also do that."

Martial may improve even more once he can speak the same language as the rest of his team-mates. "He cannot speak English, I speak French to him," van Gaal revealed. "I need help with that with Fellaini and Schneiderlin. It's very difficult. He's willing to learn English. It's a matter of time, I think. When he speaks English good enough he shall answer the questions. But now, first he has to learn English and adapt to the English culture. I have to say he is doing great. Three matches in a row, score three goals. It is one in one — not bad."