Bruno Fernandes hailed one Manchester United man as being the unsung hero for the Red Devils during their 3-0 win over Everton.
Manchester United knew coming into the game that the pressure would be high with the Goodison Park faithful right behind their team following Everton’s point deduction due to breaking Financial Fair Play rules.
After the stunning goal from Alejandro Garnacho, which Gary Neville hailed as the best overhead kick goal he had ever seen, United struggled to impose themselves in the first half.
In the second half of the game, however, United were in control and Bruno Fernandes believed that one man deserved the credit for that.
United’s unsung hero
Fernandes, speaking after the win over the Toffees hailed Marcus Rashford’s impact in the second half but also another United forward.
“I think Antho (Anthony Martial) up front was important for us,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t see the work he does on holding the ball, making the runs for creating spaces for others and I think Marcus even more after the goal was unstoppable.”
The French forward has come in for a barrage of criticism this season for either not being fully fit or not making his mark on games when he comes on from the bench.
Sunday’s win, however, was the Frenchman at his best.
Martial’s game against Everton:
- 35 touches
- 4 ground duels won
- 3 ball recoveries
- 2/2 tackles won
- 2 aerial duels won
- 2 fouls won
- 1 penalty won
- 1 goal
The Frenchman made the impact on the team that fans have been waiting for and with Rasmus Hojlund currently out of the team due to an injury, the former Monaco striker will be crucial.
Read more: 'You don't see'… Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United attacker has a crucial role, he is needed this weekMartial’s importance
Despite how exciting Hojlund has been for the Red Devils this season, Martial offers the United front line something different which is probably why Erik ten Hag rates him so highly despite his injury problems.
Martial does seem to get the best out of Rashford as the Frenchman’s ability at holding the ball up and bringing others into play allows the Englishman to run on and link-up with the striker.
With a tough week of fixtures, which includes two away games that might define the club’s season, having a striker like Martial who can hold the ball up and take the sting out of the game, could be vital.
The Frenchman has to start in Turkey and at Newcastle on Saturday.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/mGPaiET