Anthony Martial confessed that Manchester United started the game ‘really badly’ against their local rivals Manchester City in Sunday’s 6-3 loss.
Pep Guardiola’s men schooled United as they scored four goals before half-time.
Martial came off the bench in the second half to score twice but it was too late to inspire a historic comeback.
The 26-year-old admitted after the game that a poor start to the derby derailed United.
Speaking to Canal+ (via ManUtd.com), he said, “For sure, I would have preferred not to score and win this game.
“But it’s always good to come back on the grass and score.
“We are really frustrated. That’s not what we wanted to do but this result is the one [that happened] and we are going to give everything to come back for the next game.
“We started the game really badly and then they were efficient with the chances they had.
“It’s complicated but it’s like that and we are going to do everything to be ready for the next match [on Thursday against Omonia Nicosia].”
A fully fit Anthony Martial will delight Erik ten Hag
The brace from United’s number nine helped the Red Devils to reduce the humiliation they received from the Cityzens.
If not for him, the scoreline could have looked much worse.
He scored the first goal via a header after Ederson failed to control a shot from Fred.
His second came with the help of a penalty when his dancing legs drew a foul inside City’s box.
He stood up to take the penalty and placed the ball into the top corner with aplomb.
Erik ten Hag brought Martial on ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo against Man City. This will be a huge confidence booster for the Frenchman.
Due to hamstring and Achilles injuries, he has made just two substitute appearances this term.
Ronaldo is no longer a permanent member of the starting XI.
Martial can make the number nine spot his own if he can stay fit and score goals regularly.
