Matic backs in-form Man Utd forward Martial to become 'one of the best'

Nemanja Matic believes in-form Manchester United team-mate Anthony Martial is on course to become one of the best strikers in the world. 

Martial has scored 20 goals in a season for the first time since joining United in a big-money move from Monaco in 2015. 

The France international has played a major part in the Red Devils' resurgence this term, claiming the first hat-trick of his career in the Premier League victory over Sheffield United last month. 

Martial has not consistently hit the heights and suffered injury problems during his time at Old Trafford, though has shown what he can produce during United's 17-match unbeaten run. 

Midfielder Matic says the 24-year-old deserves huge credit for his desire to improve and feels there is still more to come. 

He told Stats Perform News: "A good game for one football player doesn't come [just] like that. It's hard work. 

"Anthony [Martial], in the last year or year and a half, I have seen him working a lot, trying to improve in every part of the game. 

"Of course, then on the pitch that gives you more and you deserve it. Anthony is doing great. In training sessions, he is fighting for every ball, trying to help team-mates. 

"Even when we don't have the ball he's trying to defend. He's doing fantastic. I think that if he continues like this, he'll be one of the best strikers or attacking players in the world. 

"[He is] still young, still young I have to say, [there's] still a lot to improve and time works for him, so he just needs to continue to work like this."