Anthony Martial scored an important goal for Manchester United against Club Brugge.
The Frenchman netted an equaliser before half-time with United a goal down after an earlier mistake.
It was not just the timing of the goal which was impressive, but also the way in which he scored it.
Martial capitalised on a poor throw-in from Brugge and was quickest to the loose ball.
He accelerated in possession, and made sure he kept enough space to calmly score past Simon Mignolet.
The Belgian goalkeeper must be sick of the sight of Martial; he was in goal for the forward’s famous first ever United goal at Old Trafford against Liverpool.
Could have been even better
Martial’s goal was also laced with a bit of disappointment that he could easily have scored a hat-trick.
He saw thumping effort rebound off the post shortly after his goal, with Mignolet giving it a slight touch.
Just after half-time he was through on goal, wide, and tried to pass to Juan Mata in the centre when he could have opened his body up and taken a shot. He was in a great position, and this was his last chance before he was replaced by Odion Ighalo.
The second half opportunity was an interesting one as he should have been more clinical, but against Chelsea on Monday in a similar position he shot wide when Dan James was free in the centre. Perhaps this was on his mind.
Martial was general starved of service despite his chances. With the trio of Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata tasked with supplying him, opportunities were always going to be scarce.
It said a lot that for his goal, he had to create it himself, with his quick thinking, and skill and composure to clinically take the opportunity.
Martial was taken off and saved for United’s match with Watford on Sunday with Odion Ighalo coming on for the final 25 minutes.
It was a shame because United brought on Bruno Fernandes and Fred and looked a better side, and had Martial been able to link up, he may well have scored the winner.
Nonetheless this goal in addition to the one he scored on Monday night will provide Martial confidence and he might now go on a real run and really prove his quality beyond doubt.
Fan praise for Martial
Supporters are getting behind the Frenchman and appreciated his important contribution…
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