Anthony Martial stars in Manchester United draw with Real Madrid

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Real Madrid, winning 2-1 on penalties. Jesse Lingard scored for United, but it was Anthony Martial who succeeded. He played the full match, and afterwards Jose Mourinho was full of praise for him, hinting that he needs to apply himself and become more consistent if he is to really make a name for himself at United. You can read about his, and the other, performances here.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has spoken of his disappointment over last season. He was frozen out for a sizeable period of last year, stormed back into the side with some excellent goals and performances, and then drifted away again. We can and should expect better from him - he clearly does, too.

The Telegraph think that David de Gea will face increasing pressure to try to keep hold of his starting spot in the United team. Sergio Romero improved measurably over the course of last season, and dealt with the pressure of a Europa League final. Mourinho was impressed by Sam Johnstone at Aston Villa last season, and Joel Pereira is seen as De Gea’s potential long-term successor. Let’s be honest, though, none of them touch the sides compared to De Gea, who is comfortably the best in the world.

Ander Herrera was withdrawn with an injury in the game against Real, but there’s no indication that it is especially serious. Herrera could be essential to United if they again fail to adequately deal with the shortage in midfield, and given Ed Woodward is incompetent, there’s every chance of that shortage remaining.

And finally, in the most tedious of summer transfers, Inter Milan have told United to get their act together and put in a serious offer for Ivan Perisic if they want him. Again, given Woodward, Inter Milan can expect their offer of some Nissin Noodles to be faxed over soon.