Ole Gunnar Solskjaer buoyed by Anthony Martial progress before Europa League quarters

Image Credits: Twitter/@AlexisMartial

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has praised Anthony Martial for working on his physique as the French forward enjoys a career-best campaign at Old Trafford.

Martial scored his 23rd goal for United in all competitions this season against LASK Linz in Wednesday`s Europa League last-16 victory.

"Anthony has made huge strides this season in many aspects of his game," Solskjaer told an eve-of-match news conference ahead of Monday`s Europa League quarter-final clash with Copenhagen in Cologne.

"Physically, he is at the best level of his career. We know he can do worldies but I like him scoring the simple goals, when he is in between the posts. He`s done that a few times.

"He`s in the gym a lot working on his fitness and strength. I`m just looking forward to seeing him improve. There`s more to come from him."

United arrived earlier on Sunday for the remainder of the Europa League tournament, which will feature one-match knockout ties at different German venues, culminating in the final, also in Cologne, on Aug. 21.

Solskjaer, who has already guided United to Champions League qualification with a third-placed finish in the Premier League, said the end-of-season event will aid his side`s development.

"We went into this season knowing that Europa League is a great chance for us to get a trophy, to get far in a tournament," he added.

"But also to groom a few of the youngsters and it was perfect for us.

"I think if we`d been in the Champions League, I maybe wouldn`t have had the chance to play the likes of Brandon (Williams), Mason (Greenwood), so many of the young kids who have now started what`s going to be fantastic careers."