The fans are certainly in agreement.
Manchester United started their Carabao Cup tie against Derby County all guns blazing tonight. The hosts scored with their first attempt after just three minutes, when Juan Mata finished off a slick team move – his first goal for United in 276 days.
But it was Anthony Martial’s part in the goal that caught the eye of most fans. He started off the move, by controlling a ball that was otherwise heading straight out of play with a deft touch. From then he began one of his trademark dribbles down the left wing, taking lots of little touches, as Derby’s Jayden Bogle backed off, terrified of how Martial might embarrass him if he jumped in with a tackle.
Martial then looked up, played a pass inside to Romelu Lukaku, who had the awareness to lay it off to the onrushing Jesse Lingard. Allowing the ball to run across him before playing it through to Juan Mata, Lingard put the ball on a plate for Mata, who made no mistake, curling the ball into the far corner.
📽 Watch Juan Mata finish off a brilliant Man Utd move!
Man Utd vs Derby is live on Sky Sports Main Event or follow here: https://t.co/F7S9gdjfL0
Follow all the Carabao Cup action here: https://t.co/3e9uA6oyYi https://t.co/D1EEpg8Gsi
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 25, 2018
It was a beautiful goal in every aspect, team goals always are. But Martial’s part in the goal sparked the most conversation, with many fans calling for him to start on the left ahead of Alexis Sanchez.
So far this season, Martial has been confined to playing in the Champions League and the Carabao Cup, with Sánchez starting every Premier League game. But having scored just three goals for the club since signing back in January, he has done very little to earn that starting slot, or justify his £400k per week wages.
However, United continued their dismal run of form of late as goals from Harry Wilson and Jack Marriott had them trailling 2-1 up until the last minute. Fellaini scored a late equaliser for United, but they were eliminated on penalties after losing 8-7 to Derby in the shootout after.
Many fans are now calling for Anthony Martial to be given a start in the league, and who can blame them?
Martial done more in 3 minutes than Sanchez in 5 weeks. Imagine my shock
— Paritosh Bhide (@paritosh_bhide) September 25, 2018
So that's a goal and assist for Martial in his last two starts. Sanchez meanwhile… #mufc
— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) September 25, 2018
what a beautiful goal, mad what happens when martial is playing ahead of sanchez 🙂
— Adam Coe (@adam_coe95) September 25, 2018
Juan Mata's 40th goal for #MUFC. Three clear of Anthony Martial as the highest scorer among current players.
— Kris Voakes (@krisvoakes) September 25, 2018
