Sir Alex backs Martial price tag

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson joked on Monday that Anthony Martial's explosive start to life in English soccer proved the club was right to break the bank for him.

United reportedly paid an initial fee of 36 million pounds ($55 million) to Monaco for the 19-year-old French striker, which it is thought could rise to 58 million pounds.

United manager Louis van Gaal said the price was "ridiculous", but with Martial having netted three times in his first two league games - including a fine debut goal against Liverpool - Ferguson feels he is proving his worth.