Martial Wary Of Familiar Foe

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial is hoping to get the better of a friend and compatriot tonight in the shape of West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet.

The duo both scored in last month’s 1-1 Emirates FA Cup draw at Old Trafford, but Martial was already familiar with the Hammers’ top scorer from their days playing in the French top flight, most recently at Monaco and Marseille respectively.

They also linked up on international duty for the first time in March, when Payet scored a 30-yard free-kick on his full France debut in a friendly win over Russia.

United’s French star will aim to get one over a player he counts as a friend in tonight’s sixth-round replay at Upton Park, though he knows the Reds will need to be on top form against a West Ham side who are unbeaten at home since August.

Martial told MUTV: "Payet just came here this season and he’s really impressed everyone, but I was already aware of the ability he had, given that he used to play in the French league and he’s also a mate of mine.

"West Ham are a difficult side to play against," he continued. "They play a lot of long balls up to their front men, so we have to make sure we defend well against that and then our forwards can do the rest.

"If we play well, there’s no reason why we can’t win. It’s going to be a massive game and, as footballers, that’s what we enjoy – playing in games like this. We have to give everything to make it to the semi-finals."