Manchester United: Thierry Henry praises Anthony Martial and backs him to achieve greatness

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has revealed that he has been impressed by the way Anthony Martial has gone about his business this season and that the striker has the potential to become one of the greats to have ever graced the Premier League. The Manchester United youngster was started on the left by Louis van Gaal against Manchester City but he managed to make the best of his opportunity and was among the best players on the pitch.

The 19-year-old, who comes from the same town as Henry, has been likened to the Arsenal goalscorer owing to his style of play and the Frenchman insists that there is no reason why he cannot go on to replicate the records he has set in England during his time in the Premier League. Martial already has five goals and one assist for United in all competitions and has been slated to lead the line ahead of Wayne Rooney, who has failed to scale his usual heights this season.

Henry also praised his temperament and how he has the ability to be able to stay calm under pressure. His performances have earned him a spot in the France national team, where he has managed two assists and is likely to be a participant in the European Champions scheduled for 2016.

"What I like about him is how calm he is. It seems like he isn't fazed, he doesn't care what people are talking about, what they are saying, where he is playing, the expectations. He came in and scored his goals [as a striker], now [Louis] Van Gaal moves him to the left and does he say anything? No. He plays hard," Henry told talkSPORT.

"He scored the other day in the Champions League and I thought against Manchester City he was one of their best players. I love how calm he is. When he arrives in front of the goal, he is composed like a striker who has been in the game for six, seven years. So, credit to him.

"He is going to have to do that week in, week out and be consistent for 15 years but already he has shown he has quality and what he has been doing in a short space of time is great. Although he is fast, the way he dribbles is great, he looks like he always has his head up and he is so calm, which is something I really admire about him."