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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport

Anthony Martial accused of 'clear dive' for Manchester United penalty by Everton boss Marco Silva

Anthony Martial has been accused of a "clear" dive by Marco Silva after winning a penalty during Manchester United's 2-1 win at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Paul Pogba and Martial were on target for United before Gylfi Sigurdsson's 77th-minute penalty made things tense for Jose Mourinho's Red Devils.

Pogba gave United a 27th-minute lead after Martial had tumbled theatrically in the penalty area under Idrissa Gueye's challenge.

After a trademark stuttering run up, Pogba saw his spot-kick saved by Jordan Pickford but the rebound fell kindly for him to give United the lead.

Pogba set up the second for the excellent Martial four minutes after the break, the winger sending a wonderful curled effort past the helpless Pickford from 20 yards.

(Getty Images)

Sigurdsson's spot-kick gave Everton hope, but the Toffees fell just short as Martial's influence proved vital.

Following the match, Silva told BBC Sport: "We deserved more than the result we achieved. It was a balanced match, some moments they create problems for us.

"It was not a penalty, clear the player [Martial] dived, it leaves a bad sensation. I told the players at half-time it was not a fair result."

In further quotes to Sky Sports, Silva said: "It was a tough match but we came here to win. It is the only way we work. When the game is balanced in the first 20-35 minutes, the penalty starts to put them ahead in the match and more comfortable.

"That moment, it was no penalty. It was difficult for us. That moment makes it easy for our opponents.

"You are more exposed then because you have to take more risks. They scored a fantastic goal but we had a good chance to score at 2-1.

"Our one was a clear penalty, not like the first one. The referee is there in that moment and it looks like my player touched the ball. I don't think it is a tough decision. I don't want to talk about it more because I respect the referee.

"One thing is clear is that without that moment, it would have been more tough for them. When you play against Manchester United and in their stadium, they create chances. The referee made things easier for them but we have to shoot better in some situations."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.

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