Juan Mata has likened Manchester United teammate Anthony Martial to club legend Cristiano Ronaldo .
Forward Martial marked his first Premier League start since the end of August with a goal as United beat Norwich 3-0 on Sunday.
The France international, who missed a month an a half of action with a hamstring injury, has now scored two goals in as many games, following his strike against Partizan Belgrade in the Europa League.
That form has helped boost the Red Devils to the top spot in their European group and up to seventh in the Premier League, up from a low of 14th.
After the victory over the Canaries, Martial posted a typical Instagram post which showed off a couple of pictures of him celebrating along with a message which read: "Great performance today Manchester United ."
Under the message, Mata replied: "French Ronaldo."
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer piled on the praise for Martial, despite his penalty miss in the clash at Carrow Road.
"It's vital for us," the Norwegian said. "He's a top striker and to have him back fit, smiling, enjoying his football - that's a big thing for us.
"He's clever in his movement.
"We feel Anthony is an important player for us and we've felt the affect of him not being there so of course, I'm pleased to have him back and scoring goals."
Martial was joined on the scoresheet, and missed penalty contingent, by Marcus Rashford - who has praised
“I think the one thing we can improve on is making more clear-cut opportunities for each other,” said Rashford. “For me, that’s the next step.
“We’re creating and making each other half-chances, but, as forwards, the easier the goals you can get, the better.
“We want to be able to just square it past the goalkeeper and tap it in.
“We’ve been working hard and I think, if we keep that up, it’ll become easier for us.
“I think we’re just talking to each other as we’re playing and it makes it simpler for you on the ball.
“If we can give information as we pass the ball it just makes it that bit more simple. That’s the next step for us."
