Anthony Martial's girlfriend Melanie Da Cruz pays tribute to Manchester United forward with throwback snap as he celebrates his 22nd birthday

• e-mail

Manchester United ace Anthony Martial turns 22 on Tuesday, and his girlfriend has paid tribute to him with a romantic Instagram post to celebrate.

Dreaming of warmer climes, Melanie Da Cruz shared a snap of the pair on a summer holiday, alongside the caption: 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY EVERYTHING.'

She followed that up with the words: 'No speech you already know everything,' as the loved-up pair continued their long-term romance.

Anthony Martial poses alongside his girlfriend Melanie Da Cruz on a summer holiday

The French forward controls the ball on his chest during the weekend's win over Arsenal

In the picture, Martial and Da Cruz sip champagne with the sea in the background, with the footballer wearing an all-black outfit with dark sunglasses.

Da Cruz wears a long orange dress, with her hand resting on her boyfriend's knee.

It will be a few weeks until Martial is able to drag himself away from the busy footballing schedule though, as United head into the gruelling Christmas period.

Jose Mourinho's side face CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night, before attention turns back to the Premier League and a massive Manchester derby on Sunday.

Martial is currently in training with United ahead of Tuesday night's game against CSKA

Martial and Da Cruz have been together for years, with the model calling him her 'everything'

From there, it is Bournemouth and West Brom in the Premier League, as the fixtures come thick and fast throughout the month of December.

In all, United face nine different opponents over three competitions this month, all while trying to chase down City at the top of the league.

Martial will hope for even more game-time over the busy period, as he looks to cement his place in the side.

The Frenchman has started each of the club's last five league games, but faces tough competition for places in Mourinho's side.