Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has urged critics to lay off Anthony Martial, saying the Manchester United forward is better than him at the same age and well on the way of becoming world class.

The Frenchman arrived at Old Trafford in what was a world-record fee for a teenager back in the summer of 2015 – and Martial’s often compared to Henry in both playing style and background.

A sensational debut season at United was followed by a more troublesome second season at the club, but Henry insists his compatriot deserves far more credit than he deserves.

“Anthony Martial is a far better player than I was at that age,” Henry said via Goal.

“Martial can be world class.”

Henry was still at Monaco at the age of 21 where he did not flourish in front of goal in his early days.

Martial’s move to Juventus didn’t go as planned, while his following move to Arsenal really catapulted him into the mainstream – though that move didn’t come around until Henry was 22.

Henry express that people forget just how young Martial is and having three goals and two assists in six Premier League appearances to his name this season, the player looks well on course for a brilliant campaign.