Manchester United news: Anthony Martial can emulate what Cristiano Ronaldo did at Old Trafford says Louis Saha

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has backed Anthony Martial to follow in Cristiano Ronaldo's footsteps and emulate what the Portuguese international achieved during his time at Old Trafford. After having a successful spell in England, Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in 2009 and is now the second in the all-time La Liga goal scorers list.

The France international joined the Red Devils from AS Monaco last summer and had an immediate impact since moving to the Premier League. He has so far scored 10 goals in all competitions, despite being played on the left side of the wings, rather than his preferred No 9 role.

United manager Louis van Gaal has earlier predicted Martial to be a future great at United. Saha believes his compatriot has what it needs to become the best player in the world.

"I hope so. I hope Martial can emulate what Ronaldo did at United," Saha told IBTimes UK during the recent ILOVEUNITED event in Mumbai.

"Ronaldo came when he was 18 and had this little issue where he was not passing the ball. He had to learn and that took him time."

"When he clicked in his head, with the help of the manager, he became an amazing player and I hope that Martial will go in the same path. Martial has got the ability, strength, he is skillful and he is hungry to learn."

Saha was at United from between 2004 to 2008 and during his time at the club, he played alongside Ronaldo and was part of the Champions League winning side that defeated Chelsea in the final in 2008. The former Fulham frontman explains why the Real star was successful, both at Old Trafford and with the Spanish capital club.

"The difference when you compare any player to Ronaldo is that he was obsessed about his game. You know he doesn't sleep without thinking about football and that quality is really hard to see in other players right now," the ex-France international explained.