Martial feeling the love from Manchester United fans

Anthony Martial admits receiving the unwavering support of the Manchester United faithful helps to drive him on to prove himself at the club.

The Frenchman ensured he will always have a special place in the hearts of United fans after he scored an impressive solo goal against fierce rivals Liverpool in front of the Stretford End on his debut in September 2015.

(Photo by Kieran Galvin/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The 21-year-old went on to finish that season as the club’s leading goalscorer under Louis van Gaal but he has since struggled to hit those heights under Jose Mourinho, managing just seven goals this term.

But while reports have linked the former Lyon and Monaco man away from Old Trafford, Martial was quick to downplay those rumours, insisting the backing of the fans makes it easier for him to commit to the club.

“For me, what’s really special here is the supporters. They’ve been really outstanding with me,” he said.

“I think that’s what goes a long way to making me feel at home and at ease, and makes me really keen to stay here at the club.

“In France, even if you’re one of the best players around, they might begin to boo and jeer you if you go a couple of games without scoring. But here it’s just the opposite, they’ll try to cheer you on so you might be able to score, and so then you grow in confidence.

“I think it’s just a different mentality. That’s why I like the fans here so much.

“I do get messages sent to me by lots of fans and I try to reply to them from time to time. I don’t go on social media that often, though I do try to respond now and again.

“And in the street, there are always those who shout things like ‘Keep going!’ and ‘I hope you score!’, nice messages of encouragement. It always does you good to hear them.”