The ex-Netherlands international has urged his former manager Louis van Gaal to field United’s new French forward rather than continue playing the club captain at the head of th…

Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy believes Anthony Martial should get the nod as the Old Trafford side’s starting striker ahead of Wayne Rooney.

Martial, who became the world’s most expensive teenager after signing for United on transfer deadline day for an initial £36m, made an immediate impact for his new club scoring on his debut in a 3-1 win over Liverpool. 

England and United star Rooney has been United’s No.9 in the opening weeks of the 2015-16 campaign but after missing his previous two matches owing to injury, Van Nistelrooy believes former Monaco youngster Martial is a better option up front.

“If Martial keeps doing what he did against Liverpool he could be a revelation. On the other side, is it really realistic to expect that from him? Hopefully for United he can be the one,” the Netherlands assistant told reporters.

“He looks like the out and out striker that is needed. 

“Wayne Rooney is playing in that position but I don’t think he is an out and out striker. Obviously he can fulfil that role and score his goals but it would be a good combination if Martial was up front and Rooney was just off him. That would be a good strike force. 

“I didn’t know anything about Anthony but it could be one of those unexpected successes. He needs time, but he looks like he has a lot of quality.”