Man Utd 3-1 Liverpool
by Simon Williams
at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER UNITED manager Louis van Gaal called for patience following Anthony Martial’s debut goal against Liverpool on Saturday.

The 19-year-old, who signed from Monaco for £36 million on transfer deadline day, came off the bench to score a sensational goal in United’s 3-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

“It is fantastic, I cannot deny that, but he is still only 19 years old. He has to adapt to a new culture and to the high rhythm of the Premier League,” said Van Gaal.

“It was the right moment for the manager to let him play because Liverpool were coming at us to equalise so there was more space. 

He scored a fantastic goal, he has pace to dribble but his finish was fantastic.

“This will give him a boost of course. But still, you cannot expect that players this age have consistency. You can ask that from (Bastian) Schweinsteiger and (Michael) Carrick but not players of 19, 20 or 21 as it comes with ups and downs.”

After a disappointing opening 45 minutes from both sides, Liverpool fell behind to a sweet Daley Blind strike just after the break following a well rehearsed training ground free-kick.

Ander Herrera doubled his side’s lead from the penalty spot midway through the half before Christian Benteke gave his side a lifeline with a stunning overhead kick with six minutes left.

But two minutes later Martial weaved his way between Nathaniel Clyne and Martin Skrtel before calmly slotting the ball home and ending any hope of a Liverpool comeback.

After the game Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was critical of his side’s performance and acknowledged the disappointment that comes with losing such a high-profile game.

He said: “I’m disappointed with the result and the performance. In the first half we were fairly organised and technically we could have been much better but didn’t keep the ball long enough to create opportunities.

“We were back in the game at 2-1 and looking like maybe getting something. But we then conceded within a minute and at 3-1 the game is dead.

“This is the biggest game in the country and arguably the world. I’ve been in here and sat down when we won 3-0 and felt great and when you lose 3-1 you don’t feel so good.

“It’s difficult for the supporters and everyone connected with the club.”