Louis van Gaal has explained why he thinks Anthony Martial has made such a good start to life at Manchester United. The manager recognises that Martial’s pace means he can behind the opposition’s defence, which is a great quality to have, particularly in games when the opponents are forced to attack more when they are losing the game.

That is a little bit of luck, a little bit of quality and also because of his fellow players. Maybe also the moment he could play because that was Liverpool, who had to come at us and that is where his qualities are stronger. It was the same with Ipswich, because they had to come at us. So I put him in the line-up. It is also that luck, but of course the main thing is his quality. As a player, he has to do it and he has to cope with the pressure. What we have seen until now: he can do it.