Andreas Hoelgebaum Pereira

[Andi Istiabudi]

ANDREAS PEREIRA HAILS UNITED'S HITMEN

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial hit the ground running for Manchester United, against Chelsea, in their quest to prove they can shoulder the burden of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s attack.

Romelu Lukaku’s departure earlier this month to Inter Milan could have left a goals void in the forward department that the Reds boss is backing his Anglo-French spearhead to fill.

While Lukaku was making his debut for Inter in a pre-season friendly against Serie D side Virtus Bergamo, Rashford and Martial were tearing Chelsea to ribbons at Old Trafford in the Premier League opening-day romp against Frank Lampard’s side.

A double, one from the penalty spot, for England international Rashford and one for his French sidekick Martial ensured United got off to an astonishing flyer.

Midfielder Andreas Pereira believes the pair’s barnstorming start was a huge booster.

“It’s massive. We know that Anthony and Rashy are unbelievable strikers and they always get chances and will score,” Andreas told MUTV.

“That’s what they did and that’s what we expect from them.”

Martial’s penalty-box quick thinking was evident when the 23-year-old struck United’s critical second in the 65th minute, pouncing on Pereira’s assist.

“As soon as I got the ball and pushed it inside the area, I saw Anthony’s run and my connection with him is very good. I could see him there and I was lucky to pass him the ball,” added the no.15.

United’s fabulous start was rounded off with an Old Trafford strike from new boy Daniel James.

The former Swansea City winger came on in the 74th minute for Andreas and, seven minutes later, was celebrating opening his United goal account in front of the Stretford End.

“I’m very happy for him. He was a bit unlucky in pre-season with his finishing but he showed [against Chelsea] that he is a great player and he helped us with the fourth goal,” said the Brazilian.

It all added up to a blistering opening for United on day one and will hopefully set things up nicely for the 2019/20 campaign as a whole.

“It was great. It was very satisfying that we won at home for the fans against a big club like Chelsea and I’m very happy about the win,” said Andreas.

“It was hard work, especially in the first half, as it was a bit nervy. We couldn’t get though them but, in the second half, we got the chances and we scored against them.

“It’s a perfect start but we have to keep our feet on the ground and work hard for the next game.”

United's next match is on Monday August 19, away against Wolves at Molineux (Kick off 20.00 BST).

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