Red Devils beat rivals 3-1 at Old Trafford
Manchester United have the bragging rights over Liverpool for the time being after they beat their long-term rivals 3-1 at Old Trafford yesterday.
All eyes before the match were on Louis van Gaal‘s team-sheet, with early reports suggesting Wayne Rooney could miss out through injury and also whether David de Gea would return in goal after signing a new four-year deal.
Well Rooney did miss out and Marouane Fellaini started as the lone striker, while De Gea also returned in between the sticks.
Match Summary
After a fairly quiet first-half, the two sides went into the interval level pegging at 0-0, but just five minutes after the restart, Old Trafford erupted when Daley Blind curled home a beauty after being picked out by Juan Mata.
With 20-minutes left, United doubled their lead when Ander Herrera scored from the spot, but that wasn’t the end to the drama.
Liverpool were given a glimmer of hope with just six minutes left when Christian Benteke scored a wonder-goal the put The Reds back in it.
After the ball was swung in just a bit behind him, the Belgian mimicked Rooney by producing a wonder over-head kick into the top corner.
However, Benteke‘s goal was soon forgotten about when Deadline Day signing Anthony Martial wriggled free past the Liverpool defence to slot under Simon Mignolet.
The most expensive teenager in the world netting the third goal for United and also the final goal as it ended 3-1.
United’s win puts them second in the table with 10-points from their first five games, while defeat drops Liverpool down to ninth with seven points.
Match Reaction
Manchester United United boss Louis Van Gaal: “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 played better in the first half. We had far more control, but we didn’t create much, that is why I changed Memphis – to improve that last pass.”
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: “I thought in the first half we defended well but had nowhere near enough quality and composure on the ball.
“We were disappointed with a couple of the goals. I never thought the free kick was a free kick. Penalty, I think Herrera has done well, young Joe Gomez will learn he has to stay on his feet.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
