Martial relishing Kane battle

Anthony Martial is preparing himself to face Harry Kane ahead of Manchester United's Premier League match away to title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

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Anthony Martial is preparing himself to face a top player in Harry Kane ahead of Manchester United's Premier League match away to title-chasing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Kane leads the English top-flight's goal chart with 22 goals in the league so far this season and the England striker's prowess has been instrumental in Spurs' rise to second in the table, seven points adrift of shock leaders Leicester with six games left to play.

United forward Martial, who arrived at Old Trafford from Monaco on transfer deadline day in September, was in no doubt of the 22-year-old Kane's quality.

“He's a top player and he's also still only young,” said Martial of Kane.

“He had a great season last year and he's underlined just how good he is this time around. He's a quality player who is very entertaining to watch,” added the France international, who has 13 goals to his credit this season across all competitions.

“Spurs are a team who defend well with a lot of aggression and stay compact as a unit. They have a lot of ability up top and that's why they find themselves currently in second place in the table.”

As Tottenham eye a first English title since they did the league and FA Cup double back in 1961, United are looking to put a poor season behind them by claiming the fourth and final Champions League place on offer to English clubs.

Louis van Gaal's side are now just a point behind fourth-placed local rivals Manchester City, with both of the Manchester clubs having seven league games to play.

Martial, who scored United's winner in their 1-0 victory against Everton last time out, said: “It was certainly very important that we picked up a win in that game (Everton) and it has put us back on track in the hunt for fourth place. It's now down to us to do the rest.” – AFP