Rooney suggests selling 'incredible' Martial would be a mistake by Man Utd

Anthony Martial is “incredible”, says Wayne Rooney, with the Manchester United legend suggesting that it would be a mistake for Jose Mourinho to sell the Frenchman this summer.

Having found regular starts hard to come by during the 2017-18 campaign, it has been reported that the 22-year-old could soon be heading for the exits at Old Trafford.

United’s Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham are among those said to be keen on a fleet-footed forward who moved to England in the summer of 2015.

Martial’s agent has admitted that a move elsewhere will be considered during the current transfer window, but Rooney is hoping to see a player of considerable promise stay put.

United’s all-time leading goalscorer, who is now on the books of MLS side D.C. United, told talkSPORT: “I think Martial, ability-wise, is incredible.

“But I think it’s how do you get the best out of him?

“Knowing Anthony the way I know him I think if you can get the best out of him, he’s up there ability-wise with the best in the league.

“I think sometimes it is difficult to get to know him as a person, as a character because of the way he is. But I think once you do get to know him, you just keep him happy.”

Martial has made 136 appearances for United to date, netting 36 goals.

He found the target nine times in Premier League competition last season, but was restricted to just 18 starts.

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That lack of action cost him a place in France’s World Cup squad, with Les Bleus going on to taste glory in Russia without him.

His representative, Philippe Lamboley, told RMC Sport in June: "After considering all possibilities and options, Anthony wants to leave Manchester United.

"There are many reasons, for now it is too early to discuss it. Anthony will talk soon to go through that. 

"Man United want to extend Anthony's deal and they do not want him to leave, but we have not come to an agreement for several months. I think that when Man United, who are the most powerful club, cannot come to an agreement after eight months it is because they really don't want to make him a key player.”

Martial is currently on pre-season duty with United in America as they prepare to open their International Champions Cup campaign against AC Milan on Thursday.