Martial Wins Barclays Player Of Month

Martial named Barclays Player of the Month

Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has been named the Barclays Player of the Month for September.

The French youngster's instant impact at Old Trafford following a deadline-day move from Monaco earned him a place on the top flight's shortlist and he then beat off competition from United colleague Daley Blind, Watford striker Odion Ighalo, Tottenham Hotspur keeper Hugo Lloris, West Ham United schemer Dimitri Payet and Leicester City attacker Jamie Vardy.
It is the first time a United player has earned the accolade since Robin van Persie back in April 2013. Wayne Rooney has won it five times, one behind the overall record-holder, former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. Ashley Young is the only man to have won it three times in a calendar year (in 2008 with Aston Villa).
Martial was edged out for the club's own monthly award in one of the closest-ever fan polls on ManUtd.com -  Juan Mata pipped his team-mate by a mere two per cent. However, the French teenager also scooped the PFA Fans' Player of the Month prize for September.

Swansea City's Andre Ayew was the previous recipient of Barclays' monthly prize this season after scoring against United in August.