Ryan Giggs 'scouted Anthony Martial for a year'

Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs reportedly scouted French international Anthony Martial for a year before the club signed him this summer.

The Welshman was believed to have given his recommendation to Louis van Gaal that they should sign the 19-year-old as a growing talent but according to the Manchester Evening News, United decided to sign him now to avoid having a battle on their hands next year.

Manchester City, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona were all believed to be in the running for the Monaco striker but similar to their signing of Memphis Depay from PSV, the Red Devils reportedly brought the move forward in order to beat the competition.

Martial, who scored nine goals in 35 Ligue 1 appearances last season, made his debut for France yesterday as he came on as a late substitute against Portugal.