Anthony Martial redeems himself as Manchester United escape Moscow with a point

Louis van Gaal’s men improved after the break and they deserved the point against at CSKA Moscow that ensures they remain second in Uefa Champions League Group B.

Manchester United’s Anthony Martial scored and United left Moscow with a point. EPA

CSKA Moscow 1 Manchester United 1

CSKA Moscow Doumbia 15'

Manchester United Martial 65'

Man of the match Anthony Martial (United)

Anthony Martial scored a diving header to rescue Manchester United from a damaging defeat at CSKA Moscow.

United initially froze on a sub-zero night in the Russian capital, gifting CSKA a penalty when Martial handled in the box.

Seydou Doumbia converted the follow up after David de Gea had tipped Roman Eremenko’s spot kick on to the post, but Martial ensured the match ended in a 1-1 draw with a second-half header.

In the first half United performed poorly on the return to the city where they lifted the Uefa Champions League trophy in 2008.

De Gea saved brilliantly to deny Ahmed Musa in the Khimki Arena after Doumbia had put the hosts ahead.

Louis van Gaal’s men improved after the break and they deserved the point that ensures they remain second in Group B.

CSKA put pressure on United from the off, pressing high up the pitch to deny the visitors any space. And with 15 minutes gone, the right-back Mario Fernandes won a penalty for the hosts.

Fernandes lifted the ball over Martial and drew a fine save from De Gea. United thought the danger had passed but referee Carlos Velasco Carballo spotted the Frenchman had handled the ball and pointed to the spot. De Gea tipped Eremenko’s penalty on to the post but the ball bounced into Doumbia’s path off the goalkeeper’s legs and he tucked the ball away.

Van Gaal brought Marouane Fellaini on for Bastian Schweinsteiger at the break. United then started to improve.

Wayne Rooney glanced the ball into Igor Akinfeev’s arms from Ander Herrera’s cross.

On 65 minutes Herrera sent Antonio Valencia down the right flank and he whipped in a low ball for Martial, who beat Akinfeev with a diving header.

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