AFP, Santa Clara :
Jose Mourinho has challenged Anthony Martial to produce the goods on a more consistent basis after the Manchester United frontman caught the eye against Real Madrid.
Martial produced a scintillating weaving run to set up Jesse Lingard’s opening goal in United’s 1-1 draw against Real in the International Champions Cup at Santa Clara, California, on Sunday, albeit the French international blazed over from the spot in the penalty shootout that followed the draw.
The 21-year-old shone during his impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford under Louis van Gaal two years ago, yet struggled under Mourinho last season — prompting speculation that he could be on the move this summer.
But after Martial looked back to his best, Mourinho admitted that talent is not the issue for the United forward.
“Obviously, we want more consistency in his talent,” said Mourinho. “I think today was positive for him. That’s why I left him for 90 minutes on the pitch. He was enjoying it, trying things and it’s important in these friendly matches to try things, which he did.
“That’s only good for his confidence.”
On the stroke of half-time, Martial’s quick feet saw him leave both Daniel Carvajal and Luka Modric for dead, before squaring the ball across the six-yard box for Lingard to tap home.
It was just reward for Lingard after he was the best player on the pitch during the first half, only a smart save from Keylor Navas keeping out a swerving shot from 25 yards in the seventh minute.
In their first pre-season outing, Real were understandably rusty during the first half, but they improved significantly after Zinedine Zidane changed his entire 11 at the interval and introduced a host of youngsters.
They drew level when Victor Lindelof brought down summer signing Theo Hernandez in the area and Casemiro smashed home the resulting spot-kick.
Zidane said he was “satisfied” with the performance, particularly the contribution of the club’s hot prospects.
