The international break did not rank as a priority to many of the players in action over the past week in the Nations League.
For Anthony Martial, it was a big opportunity, and he grabbed it.
Martial was back in the French side this week for the first time since March 2018. Missing out on a World Cup place and a winner’s medal was painful.
Against Sweden on Friday he came off the bench to win the decisive penalty.
In Tuesday night’s match against Croatia, Martial played a key role.
Game changer
Martial led France’s comeback from a goal down to go onto win 4-2.
He turned the game on it’s head just before half-time, setting up Antoine Griezmann for an equaliser.
Two minutes later Martial was on the end of a Wissam Ben Yedder cross to put France 2-1 up.
The goal was harshly given as a own goal by Dominik Livakovic, but Martial was set on claiming it.
He told Goal: “It had been a long time since I played in Blue, it was important to me to have a good match and I managed to score, to make an assist. I am very happy.”
France pushed on in the second half, with Dayot Upamecano and then Olivier Giroud scoring.
Martial brought his United form to the French team, playing all 90 minutes in the win, filling in for Kylian Mbappe.
Martial created three chances, hit the woodwork, and completing 90 per cent of his passes.
He did his own personal cause no harm at all. It was an impactful, strong all-round performance.
Martial did not look to have lost any of his sharpness over the short break, and now will return to United. We can’t wait to have him back.
Reaction
Here is a look at how United fans reacted to Martial’s performance…
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