Manchester United's Morgan Schneiderlin backs Anthony Martial after CSKA handball

Manchester United's Morgan Schneiderlin has backed Anthony Martial to "keep going" with his good start to his life at Old Trafford to play down the penalty hand ball he conceded during the Champions League 1-1 draw against CSKA Moscow as "can happen to anyone". The France international midfielder admits his compatriot was disappointed with what Louis van Gaal branded as a "stupid reaction" but hails how he responded to redeem himself in the second half by scoring the equaliser.

The 19-year-old striker raised his right arm going into a challenge with Mario Fernandes earlier in the first half, with Seydou Doumbia putting the Russians ahead despite David de Gea saving Roman Eremenko's penalty. Martial redeemed himself in the second half after scoring a good header to rescue a point for United.

The Dutch boss after the game admits his frustration that they couldn't secure all the three points, claiming that despite such mistakes happen in football, it was a "stupid" reaction.

"It was a stupid reaction of Anthony [Martial to give CSKA a penalty], but before that maybe it was offside," the manager said. "From the bench, I thought it was, but I don't know. It's the first time he's done it and there always has to be a first time."

Schneiderlin, meanwhile, rather than blaming Martial, has praised the youngster for his response and his contribution to the team since his summer arrival from Monaco, having already scored five goals.

"He is a very, very good player and you know it can happen to anyone in the game to handball in the box and he was disappointed with it," Schneiderlin said, as quoted by Uefa.com. "He did very well after it and kept going, he kept dribbling and he kept trying to do things and he got the reward with that goal.

"He is a guy who is 19 and he has played every game since he came here. He [has] done very well and has scored many goals and he is a big threat for us with his good dribbling, so he needs to keep going."