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Ronald McDonald leads Manchester United, Real Madrid onto field, United's Martial destroys defense

By Alex Butler
Manchester United's Anthony Martial delivered an exceptional assist in Sunday's match against Real Madrid at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo by Peter Powell/EPA
Manchester United's Anthony Martial delivered an exceptional assist in Sunday's match against Real Madrid at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Photo by Peter Powell/EPA

July 23 (UPI) -- Manchester United's Anthony Martial showed off some sensational footwork Sunday against Real Madrid in Santa Clara, Calif.

Martial took over just before the half in United's shootout victory. He dribbled the ball near the sideline right of the goal, before juking into a three defender crowd. He turned around another defender while coasting closer to goal. He then touched a smooth pass right in front of the net for Jesse Lingard to finish.

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"Good training [for us]," United coach Jose Mourinho told reporters after the game, according to the team website. "It was a very good first half against a top Real side."

"I think we lost motivation to play against their young players. We lost intensity, we lost appetite. I think the boys who played in the second half, they were disappointed not to play against Real Madrid's best players and best team. The second half was not good but overall I am happy again."

Real leveled the match in the 68th minute after a foul. Casemiro netted the tying score on a penalty kick.

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Martial missed his attempt in the post-match penalty kick session. The 21-year-old had nine goals and nine assists in 31 games last season for France and United. He had 17 goals and 12 assists in 2015 for club and country.

Sunday's match at Levi's Stadium began in odd fashion, with Ronald McDonald leading both teams onto the pitch. The food chain mascot shook hands with all of the players and waved to the crowd before leaving sight.

Ronaldo was not involved in the match for Real Madrid.

Manchester United battles Barcelona Wednesday at FedExField in Landover, Md. Real Madrid's next match is Wednesday against Manchester City at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

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