Van Gaal said the 19-year-old, signed from Monaco for £36million up front and a possible total fee of £58.8million, had been signed for the club's "next manager" - and suggested that would be his current assistant Ryan Giggs.
Speaking alongside Giggs at an event in Manchester for executive United season ticket-holders, Van Gaal was quoted by The Times as saying: "I have not bought Martial for me - I have bought him for the next manager of Manchester United."
He added of Giggs: "I feel I am introducing the next manager of Manchester United."
Van Gaal said of the Martial fee: "It was a ridiculous amount of money, but it's the crazy world we are in."
The Dutchman also claimed the Red Devils were quoted "£10million more" for a player than other clubs.
He also rejected criticism of United's recent style of football and results from former players, including Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, saying: "It makes me sick because they should know that it takes time."
Meanwhile, United said they did not wish to comment on a separate report in The Times that senior players have raised concerns with Van Gaal that his training methods were stifling their creativity.
Source : PA
Source: PA