Wayne Rooney Discusses 'Incredible' Anthony Martial and Key Man United Fixtures

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has tipped Anthony Martial to continue producing "magic moments" after the 19-year-old Frenchman continued his impressive form in the Red Devils' 3-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.

Martial set up Rooney for his first Premier League goal of the season as United went top of the division following the victory over the Black Cats at Old Trafford.

It was the first league appearance from the £36 million man in which he has not scored, but Rooney hailed the impact Martial has had at United after another strong display, per David McDonnell in the Mirror: 

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He’s been ­incredible. We have to remember he’s a 19-year-old lad who doesn’t speak English. But the start he’s had has been incredible. He’ll be a big player for us throughout the season and in the future, but we need to let him enjoy his football, and I’m sure he’ll bring plenty of magic moments for us.

"

United's Saturday victory followed Manchester City's earlier 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and moved Louis van Gaal's side into top spot in the Premier League. It has been a long time since they have held such a lofty position, per MailOnline Sport:

Saturday also saw 29-year-old Rooney end a run of almost 1,000 minutes without a goal in the English top flight, per Squawka.

Martial and Rooney's form will be vital as United look to stay top of the league and mount a genuine title challenge for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.

October will be a huge test of United's title credentials, as they face Arsenal and Everton away before hosting City at Old Trafford.

Rooney is aware his side is in a precarious position, but he is insistent that they are united in aiming to retain the top spot throughout the term, per McDonnell:

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At the beginning of the season it was always going to be a bit edgy. We know it’s a massive season for us, with us being back in Europe as well, and after the Newcastle [United] result it was always going to be edgy. But we’ve got over that and the Swansea [City] game now and we’re playing some good stuff and creating chances. 

That’s what we’re all playing for, to be No.1 at the end of the season. It’s nice to be there now, of course, but it’s still early days and there’s a long way to go. We have to keep working hard to see if we can stay there.

"

The terrific early form of Martial has been a surprise and a delight to many, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

There was some concern that Van Gaal had hugely overpaid for an unproven young striker when Martial arrived at the end of the summer transfer window.

However, Martial is doing his best to prove any doubters wrong, and he has scored four goals and produced an assist in his first five appearances for United, per WhoScored.com.

Now Rooney has finally got off the mark for the season in the Premier League, United could have quite a strike partnership on their hands, undoubtedly a boost to their title aspirations.