Anthony Martial wraps up Manchester United victory over Liverpool

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:13 am

Anthony Martial scored on his Manchester United debut to seal a 3-1 win over rivals Liverpool as goalkeeper David De Gea made his comeback.

Daley Blind and Ander Herrera netted in the second half at Old Trafford, before Christian Benteke scored a stunner only for Martial, who signed for United from Monaco for £36 million on deadline day, to put the result beyond doubt with four minutes left.

The result ensured United bounced back from their loss at Swansea, while the defeat was a second in a row for Brendan Rodgers' team after they were beaten by West Ham last time out.

De Gea was handed his first United appearance of the season, having signed a new contract with the club on Friday following the collapse of his proposed transfer to Real Madrid.

Daley Blind opened the scoring for Manchester United.
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Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, was absent for Louis van Gaal's side due to a hamstring problem, meaning Marouane Fellaini was selected up front.

The first half at Old Trafford was severely lacking in terms of goal-scoring opportunities, as both sides struggled to find rhythm with shaky moments in the Liverpool defence and from goalkeeper Simon Mignolet the only real moments of anxiety.

United took the lead on 49 minutes through a well-worked free kick, as Juan Mata picked out Daley Blind on the edge of the area and the Netherlands international swept home first time with his left foot.

A poor kick from De Gea almost presented Liverpool with a chance before an acrobatic effort from Danny Ings called the Spain international into action, as he palmed away for a corner.

Anthony Martial embarked on a mazy run before slotting home.
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In the 65th minute, Blind was forced to clear Martin Skrtel's header off the line, before Van Gaal called up on summer signing Martial to replace Mata.

United doubled their advantage on 70 minutes, with Herrera dusted himself down after being brought down by Joe Gomez in the box to smash in from the penalty spot.

Benteke then pulled a goal back in emphatic style, executing a stunning scissor kick of beat De Gea and potentially set up a nervy end to the match.

But Martial wrapped up the three points for United, running at the Liverpool defence from the left and then coolly placing into the far corner.