Yahoo News ‘He’s a Ferrari – he’s a £100m player!’: Manchester United’s Anthony Martial draws high praise for Copenhagen performance
Anthony Martial’s performance had TV pundits drooling as Manchester United squeezed past Copenhagen into the Europa League semi-finals.
An overturned penalty, two disallowed goals and efforts off the woodwork frustrated the Old Trafford giants during a goalless 90 minutes in which the Danish side looked dangerous despite failing to register a shot on target.
But Bruno Fernandes would save the day from the spot in extra time, securing a 1-0 victory and a last-four date against Wolves or Sevilla back at Stadion Koln this Sunday.
But it was Frenchman Martial who drew most praise with Owen Hargreaves describing him as a “£100million player”.
“Everyone’s got an opinion on Martial,” he said. “He’s a Ferrari. He just looked like a £100million player.”
Former United midfielder Paul Scholes was equally effusive.
“He’s turning into a No 9 more and more every game I watch,” he added. “He’s normally a brilliant finisher but tonight the finishing wasn’t quite there.”
Robin van Persie knows the pressures of playing up front for United and he too was impressed.
“Martial always have an eye for his team-mates and that’s what sets him apart from the others,” he added. “That’s why I think he’s a world class player.”
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is determined to reach his first final as United boss having this season fallen in the final four of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
“I don’t know how many shots we had in total, it must be close to 30, but the keeper he had probably the game of his life,” Solskjaer said. “We need to be more clinical in knockout games.
“I am delighted we are through to another semi-final for this team and the next challenge is to go one step further, and then hopefully win the last one, too.
“We have worked hard throughout the season, and come quite a distance from where we were in terms of fitness, but mentally that is where it is decided.
“It was difficult conditions even for me. I started sweating and my t-shirt is wet and I’m glad I don’t have to start running.”
