Real Madrid 1-1 (1-2 on pens) Manchester United
It’s almost two years since Manchester United forked out £36 million (with the prospect of more to follow) on a teenager who I had not heard of.
That the name of Anthony Martial was unfamiliar to me probably speaks volumes for my ignorance of his undoubted talent.
Yet, virtually since the day he announced himself to the Red Devils faithful with a debut solo goal against Liverpool, I’ve been hooked.
I still am!
For even in football games like this – when the result is secondary – my football betting radar clearly tells me here is one guy worth building a team around.
For if he is given a consistent opportunity and some calm and measured understanding, I believe this young Frenchman could be a truly world-class talent in the game for a long time to come.
In Santa Clara, here was further proof.
It was the stroke of half-time when this young talent picked the ball up on the left, mesmerising three defenders with some silky footwork.
His scintillating football and subsequent pass across the face of goal left the unmarked Jesse Lingard, a man with a liking for the big occasion, with the simplest of tap-ins.
Whatever else United may do in the transfer window this summer, selling Martial should not even be entertained.
In truth, this match was, as Jose Mourinho suggested beforehand, nothing more than a glorified training exercise.
A chance, in stifling heat, to build up some match fitness and take the edge off some of the bluntness expected after a summer break.
Indeed, the Real-United clash in the UEFA Super Cup in just over a fortnight’s time will be a far more competitive affair.
Even large spells of the second half – most notable for multiple substitutions, hydration breaks and what is hoped is not a serious injury to United midfielder Ander Herrera – were played at walking pace.
A rash challenge from new boy Victor Lindelof on Theo Hernandez presented Real with a perfect opportunity to equalise 21 minutes from time, and the often underrated Casemiro made no mistake.
Whether this 1-1 draw needed to conclude with a penalty shoot-out is debatable, even if it did provide excitement for fans and a winner for the tournament organisers (United prevailed 2-1 on spot-kicks).
But the match ended as it started: with handshakes and hugs all round.
Mourinho, who didn’t watch the shoot-out, was particularly effusive about his reunion with Marcelo, while other players such as Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Gareth Bale warmly welcomed the former Madrid boss.
It was that kind of event.
United now need to be just as effusive with Martial!
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