Manchester United striker Anthony Martial has set his sights on continuing his impressive record against Everton when the two sides meet in Friday night's FA Cup third round clash at Old Trafford - should he win his fitness battle.
The Frenchman was forced off during the second half of United's 3-0 win over Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, sparking fears that he could be set for a fresh spell on the sidelines. He has been dealt plenty of bad luck on the injury front this season, but his start against Bournemouth marked his sixth in a row in all competitions.
However, despite sparking fresh concerns, manager Erik ten Hag, in the aftermath of the win over the Cherries, suggested that it was nothing too serious, admitting that he was hopeful he would be available for the tussle with Frank Lampard's side. And should he win his battle to be declared fit, he will be looking to add to his impressive tally of goals against the Toffees.
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The 27-year-old has scored a career-best seven goals against the Merseysiders in 14 matches. He scored when the two sides last met at Old Trafford during a 1-1 draw in October last season.
"I must admit it's not something that I watch closely but you're right, I do have a good stats record against Everton, and I'll be doing everything I can to keep that going," said Martial, speaking to United Review, the club's matchday programme. "Clearly, this is not going to be an easy match. It is up to us to do everything we can to turn the match in our favour.
"[But] it's always that bit better for us, playing at home, and with the 12th man of the supporters right behind us."
Friday night's cup clash will mark the first meeting between the two clubs in the FA Cup since United beat Everton on route to lifting the trophy in 2016. They met at the semi-final stage at Wembley and Martial scored a dramatic 93rd minute winner, sealing a 2-1 win.
Describing it as his fondest FA Cup memory, the Frenchman continued: "I would say the semi-final match we played against Everton, which was an incredible game. It was just amazing and I would say it was one of the most memorable moments of my professional career.
"It [the celebration] was not planned, no. It was very much in the moment, as the goal came just before the end of the match, and I just wanted to share that moment with the fans, as they had been incredible throughout the match."
United have won just three trophies since defeating Crystal Palace 2-1 in the 2016 FA Cup final, the last of which came exactly a year later in the form of the Europa League.
"As I've said, we always want to win as many trophies as possible, and this is a competition where we are still on track to progress," Martial added. "We are going to give it everything we can to win it."
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