Martial braced for ‘difficult’ Ukraine test

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  • Post published:December 6, 2016

French international Anthony Martial has rallied Manchester United to be positive when facing sub-zero temperatures and a partisan crowd against Zorya Luhansk in Odessa on Thursday.

Seeking a point to progress, a win could secure top spot in Group A for the Red Devils.

‘It is very different – not just the supporters, but the weather!” the French striker told MUTV, when asked about playing in eastern Europe.

‘Over there, it’s really cold at this time of the season.

‘But it’s down to us to come to terms with that, adapt to the environment we find ourselves in and get the victory we need.

‘You prepare as well as you can and rest on the plane, but a lot of it can be in your head. It’s how you approach things mentally. It’s about what happens on the pitch; if you do your stuff out there, that’s what counts.”

United will be playing in front of just 16,000 fans on Thursday. The vast majority will be seeking revenge for the 1-0 loss in the first leg and with nothing but pride to play for, Martial is expecting a tough test.

‘We’re expecting a difficult encounter,’ said Martial, who celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday.

‘Things went quite well for us in the home game but it’ll be different over there.

‘They’ll be in front of their own supporters and will be determined to make life difficult for us to get a result, so we’ll be on our guard.’