Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes Anthony Martial showed everyone that he is a “top player” with a “perfect” move as he brought his side back into their Europa League tie.
The Red Devils were trailing to Club Brugge in Belgium after the visitors conceded to an Emmanuel Dennis goal early on, but it was the Frenchman who saved the day to secure a 1-1 draw.
The Frenchman latched onto a lose throw-in and charged towards goal cutting across the last defender to ensure he was able to slot past the goalkeeper.
And it was his “cut” that most impressed Van Persie as the forward left the Brugge defender in a conundrum.
The Dutchman said: “Martial does really well here – the cut is what makes him a top player. He cuts the line when most forwards will just run straight.
“What he does is, for the defender, if he pulls him or tackles him then he is off. So that touch gives him the space to shoot and if he gets touched it is a red card – either way it is perfect for the striker.”
Martial scored in United’s win at Chelsea on Monday night and notched his 14th of the season on Thursday night.
The goal was a rare bright moment for united in the game and otherwise, the visitors failed to delight the travelling fans who, according to Van Persie, can count themselves lucky they are not out of the tie.
“Club Brugge played really well in the first 35 minutes – they should have been two or three goals up,” he claimed at half-time.
“They (Man Utd) just look flat and sloppy. To be honest, United are lucky to still be in the game – they got a gift of a goal.
“Up until the goal United did not really create much, their positions were not right in my opinion.”
United next play Watford at home at Old Trafford on Sunday, February 23rd before hosting Club Brugge on Thursday, February 27 for the second leg tie of Europa League Round of 32 encounters.
