Anthony Martial in his new Manchester United shirt (GETTY IMAGES)
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Anthony Martial's £36m move to Manchester United surprised many, but what some may find even more startling is the youngster's connection to another Manchester United legend.
It has emerged that former Old Trafford favourite Patrice Evra not only played for the same amateur club as Martial but also gave United's new signing his boots.
While speaking to French radio station RMC, C.O. Les Ulis coach Mahamadou Niakité explained how the strange coincidence came about.
Manchester United: Summer 2015 completed transfers
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"Tshimen [Buhanga, manager at Les Ulis], once went to Manchester United and got hold of Patrice Evra’s boots, which he then gave to Anthony," said Niakité.
“Maybe they’re a source of motivation. We hope that [Martial] will, one day, give his shoes to one of the kids at Les Ulis”.
Martial, who could yet become the most expensive teenager in the history of world football, began learning his trade at Les Ulis in 2001.
Patrice Evra spent eight successful years at Old Trafford
Based in the commune of Les Ulis in the north of France, the seventh-tier side has a proud tradition of nurturing talented footballers.
As well as Evra, the club can also boast Thierry Henry as a former member of their ranks. The Arsenal legend began his career at the Stade Jean-Marc Salinier, playing for his hometown club as a youth between 1983 and 1989.
The Arsenal legend returned to pay thanks to his former club after winning the World Cup with France in 1998, so high was the esteem that he held it in.
Following Martial's move, Les Ulis are now set to receive a huge cash injection of around £270,000.
Under Fifa regulations, clubs who develop youngsters that are later transferred are entitled to be recompensed for their years of training and education.
Before leaving for Lyon at the age of 14, Martial spent three years at Les Ulis, entitling the club to 0.75 per cent of the £36m deal.
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