Anthony martial
Solskjaer brands racist abuse of Man Utd players 'disgusting'
Both players were attacked on social media following Wednesday's 2-1 home defeat by the Premier League's bottom side, which prevented the Red Devils reclaiming...
Martial's first Manchester United hat-trick, against Sheffield United last week, took him level with Rashford on 19 goals, while 18-year-old academy graduate Mason Greenwood has found the net 12 times in a breakthrough season.
United have now won 21 Premier League games on Boxing Day for a win percentage of 81% — more than any other club.
Media reports have linked the 19-year-old Norwegian, who has scored 28 goals in 22 matches this season, with a switch to several top European clubs including United.
Anthony Martial has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season, only seven short of his career-best tally of 17 in his debut season at Old Trafford in 2015-16.
Match-going United fans have been reluctant to turn on Mourinho, instead often pointing fingers at executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's reluctance to back the manager.
United showed great spirit to twice come back, with equalisers from Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard earning a much-needed point.
Mourinho accepted the apology but the insult for him was certainly not as bad as missing out on all three points that his under-pressure side would have deserved.
Two superbly taken first-half strikes, from Antonio Valencia and Anthony Martial, put United in command against a spirited Stoke side.
United’s win moves them to 32 points and they are within five points of leaders City who host Southampton on Wednesday.
Benfica had several good chances to draw level but United keeper De Gea was his usual reliable self.
Jose Mourinho said he saw an improvement in Anthony Martial's work ethic in training ahead of the new campaign
Anthony Martial has been a revelation, netting four times since leaving Monaco to help United top the League.
Martial danced past three defenders in the 86th minute and sidefooted the ball home on his debut.