Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has stated that new signing Anthony Martial should start ahead of Wayne Rooney up front.

The 19-year-old frontman, who joined United from AS Monaco for £36m two weeks ago, netted on his debut on Saturday in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Rooney could return from injury in time to face Southampton this weekend, but Van Nistelrooy says that he should drop into a number 10 role with Martial playing in front of him.

"If Martial keeps doing what he did against Liverpool he could be a revelation," BT Sport quotes the Dutchman as saying.

"On the other side is it really realistic to expect that from him? Hopefully for United he can be the one. He looks like the out and out striker that is needed. Wayne Rooney is playing in that position but I don't think he is an out and out striker.

"Obviously he can fulfil that role and score his goals but it would be a good combination if Martial was up front and Rooney was just off him. That would be a good strike force."

Martial started as the lone striker in United's Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday evening.