IN-FORM MARTIAL MISFIRES AGAINST VILLA

Frenchman Anthony Martial has been the go-to man for Manchester United in terms of goals during this summers pre-season games, but he was unable to find the back of the net during the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa in an all-Premier League encounter played in Australia this weekend. Martial failed to register a goal as Manchester United were pegged back by their Premier League opponents from a strong position at the end of the first 45 minutes.

Manchester United opened the floodgate of goals through England national team star Jadon Sancho on 25 minutes before the advantage was doubled by the own goal from Villa defender Matty Cash three minutes from the half-time interval. The goals from Sancho and Cash (own goal) gave the Red Devils a 2-0 lead at the half-time break.

Aston Villa fought back against Manchester United in the second half as they showed fighting spirit and character. Jamaican international winger Leon Bailey halved the deficit on 49 minutes before Ex-Arsenal and Southampton star Calum Chambers scored a stoppage time equaliser for Villa.
French international Martial was the recipient of the third Manchester United goal when they thrashed arch rivals Liverpool 4-0 in their first game in pre-season this summer. It was the first game under new manager Erik Ten Hag. The Dutchman was appointed as the new Manchester United boss earlier this summer.
Martial was also on target for the Red Devils during the comeback win over Australian team Melbourne Victory. He made it three goals in three pre-season friendly matches with the 3-1 victory over South London team Crystal Palace. The former Sevilla and AS Monaco attackerhas three goals in four pre-season friendly games after he failed to score against the Villa. Martial had no future at Manchester United at the start of pre-season, but he would stay at the club beyond this summer after his impressive form.