DEADLY DUO GOAL FOR IT
Red-hot rivalry’s a winner
ASHLEY YOUNG says Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are bringing out the best in each other as they battle for a first-team spot.
The Manchester United duo are effectively ‘job sharing’ the role as Romelu Lukaku’s strike partner. The Belgian continued his recordbreaking scoring start to his Red Devils career with a double in the convincing 4-1 Champions League win over CSKA Moscow, but Martial was man of the match with three assists and a penalty. It was his fourth start in 10 games, while Rashford has started six. Both have made big contributions coming off the bench when they have replaced each another. They have scored five goals each and Young – the captain in Moscow – says their fight for a starting place is replicated in every position, such is the depth of United’s squad. “It is a squad game and everybody wants to be playing well and wants to be in the team,” said Young.
“Our training is fast, there’s aggression, and everyone’s got a winning mentality. You take that into games and we’ve shown that this season with our results.”
Soaring
United players are clearly enjoying their training routines under boss Jose Mourinho after complaining of the tiresome sessions, video analysis and endless team meetings under his predecessor Louis van Gaal.
Young says confidence is soaring after an unbeaten nine-game run – eight wins and a draw – since the UEFA Super Cup defeat by Real Madrid in early August.
The win in Moscow was achieved without Paul Pogba, Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini, Phil Jones and Michael Carrrick, as well as long-term casualties Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Young believes that underlines Mourinho has the resources at his disposal to fight for honours on four fronts.
The winger said: “We want to keep this momentum going. When you play with confidence throughout the team it’s fantastic.
“When you have boys coming off the bench and adding to that, it makes the squad look very, very healthy.
“The depth of squad is there to cope with injuries but it is always nice to know we’ve got those players to come back as well.
“This season we’ve started strongly, been winning games and scoring a lot of goals as well.” Young is in the final year of his contract but hinted he would be happy to stay and his versatility is a strong card in his favour.
While winger is his usual position, he has performed well at full-back on both sides.
He added: “I feel really good. Obviously getting the captain’s armband is a real honour and it shows the manager has got trust in me.
“I’ve got myself fit and back in the team and hopefully I can stay there.
“It’s exciting times here and I want to be part of the success.
“As a footballer you want to win trophies and be part of a successful team. And for me Manchester United is that club.”