Manchester United forward Anthony Martial celebrates after scoring on his debut against Liverpool. (Getty Images)
One of European football’s most fierce rivalries returns to Old Trafford when Manchester United play host to Juventus on matchday three of the UEFA Champions League. Sparks are expected to fly when these two European powerhouses lock horns for the first time in 15 years.
As a matter of fact, United and Juventus have a long history in the Champions League. The two sides have met on 12 occasions previously, with each winning five and the other two ending in a draw. They will be meeting for the first time since the 2002/03 season when United won both legs of the group stage tie against the Italian outfit.
Taking history into account, United might feel that they have the slightest of advantage over their Italian counterparts. In fact, United are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Serie A clubs, home and away.
However, the recent domestic form of the teams presents a completely different picture. While Juventus are still unbeaten nine games into the Serie A and sit atop the table, United have been far from clinical this season. The Red Devils have won only four out of their first nine games in the Premier League and sit 10th in the standings.
The tie will hold special importance for Juventus’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo as he prepares for his return to Old Trafford. The 33-year-old hasn’t made the best start to life in the Serie A but has managed to find the net twice in his last two appearances.
Juventus are the leaders of Group H after consecutive wins over Valencia and Young Boys while United are placed second after dropping points at home against Valencia.
Despite their poor domestic form, United will have plenty of positives to take into Tuesday’s clash after inspiring displays against Newcastle United and Chelsea.
To be honest, the man who played a key role in both of United’s comebacks is none other than Anthony Martial. The 22-year-old Frenchman, who joined the club for £58 million, will once again hold the key to United’s success on Tuesday. He started the game against Young Boys but did not feature at home against Valencia. However, it will be hard for Mourinho to leave him out against Juventus, especially with the form he has shown over the last two games.
Although the Frenchman has started only four out of United’s nine games in the Premier League this term, he has been one of the most influential players in their lacklustre campaign so far. Martial has chipped in with three goals in the Premier League this season and also netted once against the Young Boys on matchday one.
United have lacked effective build-up play in the final third this season but the Red Devils got their act together in the last two games. Martial combined well with Paul Pogba to score the equaliser against Newcastle and found himself in the right place at the right time to capitalise on Marcus Rashford’s pass to put his team in the driver’s seat against Chelsea.
In other words, he has not only been subtle with his movement but has also been clinical with his finishing. He is the sort of player who looks to give his hundred per cent on the pitch and puts in a lot of effort to make things happen in the final third.
Deployed on the left, Martial will have his work cut out against Joao Cancelo, who has been in good form this season. However, the Frenchman must fancy his chances of getting past his marker and he is arguably United’s best bet to upset Juventus at Old Trafford.