Jacques Crevoisier, the Uefa technical instructor and former France Under-19 coach, has hailed Anthony Martial’s wonder-goal on his Manchester United debut last weekend.

The 19-year-old winger came on as a 65th minute substitute and capped an excellent 3-1 victory for United at Old Trafford with a brilliant solo effort that drew praise from compatriot Crevoisier.

Martial danced past three defenders and rolled the ball calmly into the back of the net, sending the home fans wild and prompting chants of “what a waste of money” in reference to the $55.54 million United paid on a player who had shown little more than potential at former club Monaco.

“It was just wonderful and to do that first of all you must be very confident because you attack three defenders and at the end you are very clever to have this clinical finish,” Crevoisier said.

“He did very well because he got only 25 minutes and scored a wonderful goal so it shows he is able to do the right things. The advantage is he can play on the left with rhythm.

“He prefers to be a centre forward and I believe he will do very well but just let his time come because he is only 19.”

Louis van Gaal, the United manager, termed Martial’s display “not bad”.

“I was happy for him because he didn’t decide the price of his transfer and to be honest I believe it’s just crazy,” Crevoisier added. “But it is a bet and the English clubs in general and Manchester United, in particular, have so much money they can bet.”

Martial is already being compared with another former Monaco player, Thierry Henry, who also played for Arsenal and Barcelona.

“He [Martial] has the right profile to be the next Thierry Henry but you must not put the pressure to early on him,” Crevoisier said. “He has the same qualities as Henry who I coached for four years so I know him very well.

“Thierry was stronger than Martial who is not the same size. But Martial’s speed, quality of quick feet and technique maybe more technical than Henry, who was more powerful at the beginning but not so subtle as [Nicolas] Anelka.”