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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

'Martial is back' - Manchester United fans go wild after striker scores again in pre-season

Manchester United took a 2-1 lead into the half-time interval of their second pre-season friendly against Melbourne Victory, after scoring two quick-fire goals as half-time approached.

Having fallen behind to Chris Ikonomidis' fifth-minute strike, United turned the game on its head shortly before the break, courtesy of goals from Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial. The Scot brought United level with 43 minutes on the clock, seeing his deflected effort loop over Melbourne goalkeeper Paul Izzo.

He pounced on some slack defending from the Australian outfit, with defender George Timotheou's poor clearance landing straight at the feet of the midfielder. And a little over two minutes after McTominay had found the net, United scored a second, with Martial tapping home from close range for his second goal in as many games.

READ MORE: United vs Melbourne Victory LIVE

The Frenchman was in the right place at the right time to put the ball home, connecting with Anthony Elanga's cross, helping Diogo Dalot's delivery on its way. United, despite falling behind early, were the better side throughout the first-half, dominating the ball for long spells and enjoying plenty of possession in and around the hosts' penalty area.

Jadon Sancho was United's most creative player, linking up time and time again with Dalot. Bruno Fernandes was also popping up in plenty of spaces.

And having turned the game on its head shortly before the break, United's fans took to social media to react to the quick-fire turnaround, with plenty of praise being sent in Martial's direction.

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