Martial on the spot to end Man United away-day blues

Manchester United ground out an unconvincing 1-0 win at Partizan Belgrade in a tense Europa League Group L clash on Thursday as Anthony Martial’s 43rd-minute penalty secured their first away victory since March.

The match was played under tight security amid fears of crowd trouble but it produced a cracking atmosphere as Partizan coach Savo Milosevic’s appeals to home fans to refrain from offensive chants proved successful.

United, languishing 14th in the Premier League, top the group on seven points from three games, two ahead of Dutch side AZ Alkmaar who thrashed Kazakhstan’s Astana 6-0. Partizan have four points and Astana none. United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was happy with United’s first away win in 12 games in all competitions and their first away goal since August, but not with his team’s performance. “We need to learn when to get the second goal and when to get the third,” he told a news conference.

“Today we had loads of opportunities to make sure we were in a comfortable lead but we didnt play the pass forward.” Solskjaer singled out 19-yearold left back Brandon Williams and praised the home fans, who generated an electrifying atmosphere in the cauldron of Partizan’s stadium.

“Brandon has got a great attitude and the boy is going to be a top player,” Solskjaer said.

“For me Brandon was man of the match. He’s been fantastic the few games he’s played and the boy has no fear. He is as brave as a lion and today he got us the win,” the Norwegian added.

(REUTERS)