CSKA Moscow 1-1 Manchester United: Martial rescues United

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

Anthony Martial, centre, celebrates with his teammates after grabbing his goal. Picture: AP

United initially froze on a sub-zero night in the Russian capital, gifting CSKA Moscow 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 that means they remain second in Group B.

CSKA put maximum pressure on United from the off, pressing high up the pitch to deny the visitors any space.

Former United midfielder Zoran Tosic fired an early shot wide and Mario Fernandes caused Matteo Darmian problems with his pace down the flank. And with 15 minutes gone, the right-back won a penalty for CSKA. 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 France striker 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.

United would have been 2-0 down soon after had De Gea not tipped over Musa’s chip.

Louis van Gaal brought Marouane Fellaini on for Bastian Schweinsteiger at the break. Little changed initially but United then started to improve and the pressure paid off when Antonio Valencia whipped in a low ball for Martial, who beat Igor Akinfeev with a diving header.