Dimitar Berbatov opens up on role in Anthony Martial signing
According to talkSport (h/t Daily Mail), former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov has revealed the small yet key role he played in the transfer of Anthony Martial.
The Bulgarian spent four seasons at Old Trafford before moving to Fulham in 2012. He eventually wound up spending the 2014-15 season at Monaco, a move that helped appraise United’s interest in Martial.
Before United signed him in 2015, the club’s head scout called Berbatov ahead of the transfer to get his thoughts on the talented Frenchman.
“I told him this boy is unbelievable, the things he can do. He can be a great player, he just needs someone to guide him on the pitch.”
The Bulgarian’s appraisal looks to have held weight as United ended up making a successful move for the player in the summer of 2015.
The deal worth £36million and rising to a potential £58million was the highest amount paid for a teenager at the time. It proved to be an inspired decision as he immediately lit up Old Trafford on his debut.
Coming on as a substitute for Juan Mata, the Frenchman skipped past the Liverpool defence to slot the ball in to send the crowd wild. He would go on to win the PFA Fan’s Player of the Month in his first month at the club.
He has since made 208 appearances, scoring 64 goals and 38 assists for the Red Devils. Martial has failed to hit the dizzying heights he promised on his debut. At just 24, he has time on his side to resurrect his career.
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Speaking about the deal, Berbatov joked that he still is yet to receive his commission from the club. He has a point here, to be honest.
