Manchester United: Anthony Martial reveals Patrice Evra role in Old Trafford move

Manchester United star Anthony Martial says the influence of Patrice Evra helped him decide on a move to Old Trafford. Martial became the most expensive teenager in football when he arrived at the club on the final day of the summer transfer window. The France international instantly secured hero status with a memorable solo goal on his debut against Liverpool and has since gone onto become one of the club's most important players.

His move from Monaco was the same one made by Evra in 2006, with the full-back going onto to enjoy eight trophy-laden seasons with United before departing for Juventus in 2014.

Evra's cult status remains intact to this day and Martial admits the veteran Frenchman's enthusiasm for the club made them difficult to turn down.

When asked if Evra helped persuade him to sign, Martial told Inside United magazine: "Patrice Evra told me it was a 'club of champions', a club that above all else wants to win, and certainly since I arrived here I've felt that for myself too.

"He lives in the same town as me in France and has only ever had good things to say to me about the club.

"He talks about us all the time and he's told me that he spent his very best years as a player here so I reckon he is still very attached to this club."

Martial's magnificent solo effort drifting in from the left against Liverpool back in September intensified comparisons to France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. But the United striker admits his brother Johan, who plays for Troyes AC in Ligue 1, and Brazil legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have been his biggest influences in the game.

"My brother [Johan Martial] was the one who really gave me the desire to follow in his footsteps," Martial continued. "Also, it was really Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, the two Brazilian players, who also inspired me to a future in football."