Anthony Martial has impressed since joining United
Anthony Martial has impressed since joining United Getty Images

Manchester United star Anthony Martial has vowed to further improve his goal scoring tally next season after impressing in his debut season in the Premier League. He arrived at Old Trafford from AS Monaco in the final week of the last summer transfer window and scored on his debut against Liverpool.

So far, the France international has scored 12 goals and six assists in all competitions for the Red Devils, which include seven goals in 24 league appearances. Louis van Gaal has deployed the striker on the left-wing instead and the 20-year-old admitted that his preferred position is to play upfront rather on the wings.

"I think I could have done better [score more goals], there were some chances that I missed but I think next year it will be much better," Martial told RTL, as quoted by Get French Football.

On his preferred playing position, he said: "I prefer to play upfront, but if the coach puts me on the wing then that means it is better for the team and for me that is the most important thing... I am working very hard every day in training [to become a better finisher] and it is true that sometimes when I play as the number nine, I have not scored but it is like that. With time, I will progress even more and I will be more mature to score even more goals."

Under Van Gaal's guidance at United, the Dutchman has promoted several academy graduates to the first team. Marcus Rashford has been the latest young player to impress for the 20-time English champions, while Jesse Lingard has been a regular inclusion in the starting lineup. Martial has heaped praise on the teenage striker and the winger and admitted that he is not jealous that Rashford is playing ahead of him in the No 9 role.

"Honestly, they are two very good young players and they have helped us enormously this season and I hope that they will continue like that so that we can finish fourth or third in the league."

When asked if he is jealous that Rashford is playing ahead of him in the No 9 role, Martial explained: "No not at all, I am very happy for him. He is scoring goals and that is the most important thing."