Martial makes amends as disjointed Man Utd grab draw

CSKA Moscow 1 Man United 1

Manchester United secured a draw at CSKA Moscow on their return to the city where they won the 2008 Champions League as Anthony Martial proved that he is the kind of player who makes an impression on games, first giving away a penalty and then scoring the equaliser for United.

It was not a match that will live long in the memory and there was little to inspire fans to dream of another European triumph as "Louis van Gaal's side stuttered and sparked and finally eked out a cold and hard-fought draw", says The Times.

"A draw had been the Dutchman's minimum requirement and, ultimately, his players delivered it, but quality was rationed and so, too, were those flights of fantasy about 2008."

It highlighted the shortcomings of Van Gaal's side, says the Daily Telegraph. "As has been the case throughout much of Louis van Gaal's reign, this was a performance full of neat and tidy passing, but little by way of clear-cut chances.

"United enjoyed 72 per cent of possession in Moscow, but had fewer shots on target than their opponents, and rarely looked threatening."

CSKA took the lead after what Van Gaal called a "stupid" mistake in the box by Martial, who handled a chip from Mario Fernandes. David de Gea saved Roman Eremenko spot kick, but Seydou Doumbia fired home the rebound.

Martial made amends with a headed equaliser in the second half. Popping up in the central striker's position despite playing on the wing.

The point did not stop former United favourite Paul Scholes criticising Van Gaal's team for what he regards as a lack of ambition and adopting a safety first approach.

Scholes, who according to the Manchester Evening News, "has not held back in his criticism of United since Van Gaal took charge", told BT Sport: "There is no quality, no movement. People are not running. You expect them to be more creative. You expect players to run with pace and penetration."