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Anthony Martial leads Manchester United to 4-1 win in Moscow

Anthony Martial leads Manchester United to 4-1 win in Moscow


Anthony Martial leads Manchester United to 4-1 win in Moscow

Martial constantly tormented the CSKA backline

Manchester United continued their strong start to the season with a 4-1 thrashing of CSKA Moscow in Russia, with Martial putting in a stunning performance.

Jose Mourinho was without Phil Jones, Marouane Fellaini, and Paul Pogba but showed just how strong his squad depth is as they decisively beat CSKA Moscow 4-1 in the Champions League group stage. 

Chris Smalling and Ander Herrera capably stepped in to fill the gaps and maintained United's consistency, especially defensively. 

However, the headlines will be grabbed by Anthony Martial, who assisted two of United's goals and scored one himself. The young Frenchman has been immense this season, taking advantage of every opportunity Mourinho has given him, be it with a starting lineup spot or coming off the bench.

The Red Devils were 3-0 up before the half-hour mark. Martial, playing on the left, floated in a cross for Lukaku who outmuscled the CSKA defenders to head in the first goal after just four minutes. 

Mkhitaryan was then clumsily brought down in the box for a penalty. Martial, who seems to have officially taken over penalty-taking duties, converted ever so cooly on 18 minutes.

Less than 10 minutes later, Martial whipped in another cross from the left which the CSKA defence failed to deal with, allowing Lukaku to tap in his second goal of the game.

Manchester United did not take their foot off the pedal in the second half but were less clinical. Martial was excellent, weaving through the CSKA defence with frightening ease. He set up Jesse Lingard, who was brought on just a minute earlier, but his shot was saved by Igor Akinfeev

Just before the hour mark, Ander Herrera found Martial's run behind the backline. The Frenchman's shot was saved but Henrikh Mkhitaryan was on hand to put in the rebound. 

Martial came off for Rashford on 72 minutes. While it would have been nice to see him complete a full game, it is a testament to how much Mourinho values him, likely saving him for the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace over the weekend.