Manchester United crashed out with a 6-3 loss against Manchester City at the Etihad today.
United’s cross-town rivals secured all three points thanks to hat-tricks from Phil Foden and man of the match Erling Haaland.
The Red Devils completely capitulated in the first half, in a chaotic performance that saw City score four times.
Erik ten Hag’s men put up something of a brawl in the second half, managing to score three, a consolation prize really in one of the club’s heaviest defeats in derby history.
Antony scored the first for United with a beautiful curling ball that sailed past Ederson.
However, it was Anthony Martial, fresh from injury, who saved United from a few blushes in what was still a painful defeat.
The Frenchman came off the bench, doing more in the few minutes he was on the pitch than his teammate and starting striker today, Marcus Rashford.
The 26-year-old scored two, helping his team to at least leave the Etihad with a half-decent scoreline.
Martial headed the ball into the back of the net from an overflow by Ederson who was unable to control a shot from fellow Brazilian Fred.
The striker hit the mark again in the embers of the takedown by converting a penalty conceded by Michael Oliver who deemed the forward to have been brought down illegally in the City area.
Aside from his goals, Martial had a passing accuracy of 75% and won two of the three ground duels he won.
The player also posted a 100% conversion rate, scoring two of the two shots he attempted.
He also completed a single dribble in his appearance off the bench.
Anthony Martial’s game by the numbers vs. Manchester City:
75% accuracy on passes 2/3 field duels won 2 shots 2 goals 1/1 dribble completed 1 penalty won
Martial FC never left. ???? pic.twitter.com/XZbLePAgfA
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 2, 2022
While Martial’s brace will do little to nothing to comfort fans who will no doubt be disappointed and embarrassed by their team, his cameo upon his return will be an encouraging factor for other fans.
He certainly did more than most of the others to try and set up a fight.
Many in the fanbase will hope that he is finally fit and can return to the starting eleven.
