Louis van Gaal had to speak to the mother of Anthony Martial to agree a deal with Manchester United

His mother acted as a translator as the teenager doesn't speak much English

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal and Anthony Martial (Getty Images)

Anthony Martial has revealed that he did not speak to Louis van Gaal before agreeing a move to Manchester United - his mother did.

The French teenager has been sensational since moving to Old Trafford, scoring four goals in seven games after his eye-popping £36million move from Monaco was agreed on deadline day.

Despite being just 19, Martial has been exceptional for the club, not only scoring crucial goals but playing with a maturity and quality few felt possible.

Monaco received a higher bid for Martial, revealed vice-president Vadim Vasilyev last week, but the striker was desperate to join United, even agreeing to join Van Gaal's squad without speaking to the Dutchaman.

"Basically, I was told 'untransferable' so I thought [I was] staying in Monaco," he told French TV channel BFM. "When I knew about the offer, I did not hesitate a second and it was done quickly. I really wanted to continue to play in the Champions League. Van Gaal called me and spoke to my mother who did the translation. When I arrived in Manchester I met him, we discussed at length and it was done quickly."

Martial also said that he tries to ignore the chatter around his hefty fee. Manchester United were heavily criticised for spending so much on a relatively unknown striker, whose fee could rise to £58m with add-ons, including if he wins the Ballon d'Or.

"[The fee] did not bother me too much," he added. "It was more my family with all that was written in the newspapers and what was said. I was just in a hurry to go to Manchester and play football.

"I try to ignore it all. I stay in my bubble, I concentrate on the football, I work and I try to learn English as quickly as possible."

Martial has also been compared to Arsenal great Thierry Henry, but the teenager rejected such a notion.

"I know this is a very great player who is a legend in England,” Martial said. "I do not think we have the same characteristics. Thierry Henry is Thierry Henry. I still have everything to prove. By continuing to work, I will try to reach his level but I am still very far off."