Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and record signing Anthony Martial all scored for Manchester United as the Red Devils beat Liverpool FC at Old Trafford.
Christian Benteke scored an outrageous bicycle kick for the Reds, but the strike was in vain as the Belgian could not help his side recover from a two goal deficit.
Manchester United’s A?36m signing Anthony Martial announced himself in style to the Old Trafford faithful, coming on as a second half substitute for Juan Mata before scoring a brilliant solo goal. Ever since the 19-year-old’s deadline day move from AS Monaco, the media has concentrated on the hefty price tag of the Frenchman, who became the world’s most expensive teenager when he left Stade Louis II.
After a drab first half, Daley Blind opened the scoring in the second half, curling in a Juan Mata free-kick from the edge of the box. Ander Herrera then converted a spot-kick after he was brought down inside the box by new Liverpool FC left-back Joe Gomez.
Liverpool FC pulled one back courtesy of an overhead kick by Benteke, who got on the end of a deflected Jordon Ibe cross. But, any hopes of a comeback for the Anfield side were put to rest when debutant Martial stole the show with a magnificent strike. The 19-year-old got hold of the ball on the left hand side and made his way past three defenders before finding the back of the neat with a neat finish.
Manchester United fans took to Twitter to praise the latest star of Old Trafford. Here are some of the best tweets:
Thierry Henry vs Anthony Martial against Liverpool. https://t.co/mbeRJtwkgB
a Premier League Stuff (@EPLStuff) September 12, 2015
Young: “Morgan is the translator but if Martial talks like that on the pitch, thata s all we need.” #MUFC a Man Utd Update (@MufcDevilUpdate) September 12, 2015
Anthony Martial pic.twitter.com/c5spv9lN5A
a Troll Football (@Troll__Football) September 12, 2015
It took Anthony Martial 13 minutes to get a touch. But he scored with his first shot for #MUFC. A star is born. a Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) September 12, 2015
Vintage Martin Tyler commentary, on Martial goal: “OHHH YESSSS!!!! WELCOME TO MANCHESTER UNITED, ANTHONY MARTIAL!” pic.twitter.com/lLuQDG9FUz
a Man Utd Videos as? (@ManUtdVines) September 12, 2015
Not going to be biased, I think Martial is going to be world-class one day. That goal truly shows off his potential. a Felix. (@WittyGooner) September 12, 2015
Thierry Henry on Martial: “I’m happy for him. They wondered if he spoke English, he did with the ball.” #MUFC
a Man Utd Update (@MufcDevilUpdate) September 12, 2015
WHAT A GOAL BY MARTIAL, THAT DEFINITELY A?3492378648734 WELL INVESTED a Brother Feo (@FeoWalcutt) September 12, 2015
.
Martial art.. Welcome to the big league! Game setter match. @ManUtd
a Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) September 12, 2015
An Old Trafford hero is born. Utter brilliance from Antony Martial makes it 3-1. a Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) September 12, 2015
Martial law. That is a sensational way to introduce yourself to the Premier League. Stunning goal by the A?58m man
a Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) September 12, 2015
Martial, a 19 year old lad scored a goal in his debut against Liverpool. NEVER FORGET. a Sweta a (@JanuzajGirl) September 12, 2015