Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is 'far better' than I was at 21, claims Thierry Henry: 'He can become a world-class player'

  • Anthony Martial has scored five goals and assisted six more already this season 
  • The Manchester United star has been compared to Arsenal great Thierry Henry
  • But the former France international believes Martial is better than he was at 21
  • 'He can become a world class player,' Henry said of the former Monaco star

Thierry Henry has tipped Anthony Martial to become world class, claiming the Manchester United forward is already better than he was aged 21.

Martial has already racked up five goals and six assists in his first nine appearances of the season for Jose Mourinho's side.

The France forward's pace and skill drew immediate comparisons to his compatriot, Henry, following his own big-money move to England from Monaco in 2015.

Thierry Henry has tipped Manchester United's Anthony Martial to become a world-class player

Thierry Henry has tipped Manchester United's Anthony Martial to become a world-class player

Martial's displays drew immediate comparisons to his compatriot and the ex-Arsenal forward

Martial's displays drew immediate comparisons to his compatriot and the ex-Arsenal forward

HENRY V MARTIAL - WHO'S BETTER AT 21?

Anthony Martial: 

Club appearances: 174

Club goals/assists: 45/31

International apps/goals: 15/1 

Thierry Henry:

Club appearances: 95

Club goals/assists: 22/1

International apps/goals: 6/3

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And Henry, who scored 175 goals during his eight-year stay at Arsenal, believes Martial has shown enough to suggest he can reach the very top of the game.


‘Anthony Martial is a far better player than I was at that age,’ said Henry. ‘He can become a world-class player.’

Martial shone as United beat CSKA Moscow 4-1 to continue their perfect record in this season's Champions League.

But it came as a cost as he limped off with a thigh injury. The 21-year-old came off the bench during their 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace and was left out of Didier Deschamps' France squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Henry scored 175 Premier League goals during an eight-year stint with the North London side

Henry scored 175 Premier League goals during an eight-year stint with the North London side