Anthony Martial marks debut with a goal as Manchester United beat Liverpool 3-1
Manchester United defeated Liverpool 3-1 in emphatic fashion, with goals from debutant Anthony Martial, Daley Blind and Ander Herrera.
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The first half followed the usual storyline this season, with the Red Devils dominating possession but failing to capitalize. It genuinely was a half to forget for everyone.
In the second half, the team came out with considerably more desire. Ashley Young replaced Memphis and won the free-kick from which Daley Blind opened the scoring with a brilliant finish into the top corner. That was followed by an Ander Herrera penalty after the Spaniard was brought down by young defender Joe Gomez.
Christian Benteke scored a gorgeous overhead kick to make it 2-1, but Martial put it out of reach with a phenomenal effort to beat three defenders and slot it into the bottom corner. David de Gea also returned to the squad and made an immediate impact with some crucial saves. Following the result, Manchester United moved up into second in the table five points behind leaders Manchester City.
After a week of negative press coverage leading up to the match, Manchester United and Louis van Gaal silenced the critics. Following the game, the team was in high spirits. Talking to BBC, Daley Blind commented on his goal off the United set piece and Martial’s debut:
"“We practised it a lot and it went in. Sometimes they go in, sometimes not, sometimes you need to take a touch. I’m very happy for Anthony. Of course he’s a new guy, the team is very up for him to do well. What a goal.”"
Louis van Gaal was also pleased with his team, praising their control of the match but remaining cautious regarding Martial. On the set piece goal, the manager said to BBC:
"“The first goal is very important. I have to say the meetings about the set plays and training sessions about the set plays paid off. So I have to say I’m very happy because the first goal was the deciding goal.”"
In response to a comment on the quality of play lacking in the first half, van Gaal responded with:
"“I don’t agree with that. Of course I think we have controlled the game entirely, we didn’t give any chances away. We were in the first half the better team, I believe. ““There was less spectacle. Liverpool played on the counter attack and had 10 players behind the ball. To play a good game, you have to have two teams come and play.”"
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Commenting on Martial’s debut and goal, the Dutchman tried to take some of the pressure off the young striker’s shoulders:
"“When you make a goal like Anthony you cannot wish for more I think. A lot of players have made a debut and scored with me so it’s a good signal.“We have to wait and see. He is here for three days. We have scouted him, we wanted him because he is the best in this age, but he needs time. He’s been with us for three days, that is too short to judge his personality but he made a very good impression in the first three days, that’s why I selected him to be on the bench.”"
Thierry Henry, who’s name has been used frequently in association with the 19 year old, also commented on his debut:
"“I’m happy for him there. They were wondering if he spoke English before that, he did it with the ball. Skrtel could have done better but let’s give credit to Martial, he stayed composed. The way he stayed composed there. I call it ‘freezing’ the keeper because he looks up at the keeper then puts it in. He took his time – and goal. What a time to announce himself.”"
It was a great result all around for the Manchester United players and supporters, winning against a fierce rival and securing three points in the process.