Where will Anthony Martial fit in at Manchester United

Manchester United have splashed £36million to make Anthony Martial the most expensive teenager in history.

The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Old Trafford and will take the iconic No.9 shirt.

Much has been made of Louis van Gaal's last minute gamble and whether he pressed the emergency panic button or not following the shock defeat to Swansea on Sunday.

As the sun goes down on another deadline day and Martial's big money arrival the Dutchman now has the squad he must work with until the new year.

Up top on his own

Martial brings with him bags of pace and the ability to stretch the field, an attribute United have been sorely lacking this season. Despite what many onlookers believed it would appear that captain Wayne Rooney isn't the answer up front and would be a much better option withdrawn into the hole behind. He'd certainly be happier there and perhaps would add balance to what has looked a painfully unbalanced front four thus far.

In a two

Given his youth it may be Van Gaal's plan to ease the burden of that monster transfer fee by deploying him alongside Rooney rather than instead of him. In a two Martial could sit on the shoulder while Rooney pulls the defender's away to create space. In such a system Memphis Depay could move wider, with Ashley Young or Juan Mata on the other flank. That said, with only two in the middle of the park it may be better suited to the Premier League rather than in Europe.

In a three

Martial's versatility could see Van Gaal revert to the 4-3-3 formation of last term. United secured their place in the Champions League utilising a version of the very same system down the stretch and the young Frenchman could be easily assimilated into it. As one of the front three - most likely alongside Rooney and Depay - he could use his speed to create room behind for Juan Mata or Ander Herrera to run riot in.

Out wide

Much of Martial's early career was spent as a wider forward player and perhaps, in his early Old Trafford days at least, he could be used there again. With the likes of Mata and Depay happier cutting in rather than getting chalk on their boots Martial could offer a more vertical threat on the outside. Such a decision would also allow him to ease his way into the English game from the fringes, rather than be thrust into it from centre stage.

Impact off the bench

Perhaps the most likely option of all, at least at first. United aren't blessed with anywhere near enough depth up top and Martial figures to slot in where Javier Hernandez was previously as chief back up. Obviously with such a gigantic fee Martial's role will one day far outstrip that of the departed Mexican, but for now at least he may be part of the supporting cast.