Louis van Gaal backed Anthony Martial to shine at Manchester United after the world’s most expensive teenager exploded onto the Premier League stage with a superb debut goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win against Liverpool.
Signed from Monaco on transfer deadline day for a reported initial fee of £36 million that even the United manager admitted was “ridiculous”, French striker Martial had been dismissed in some quarters as a panic buy.
When you make a goal like Anthony you cannot wish for more I think
But the hefty price tag didn’t seem to bother the 19-year-old, who came on as a 65th minute substitute and settled one of English football’s heavyweight clashes with a devastating knockout blow.
Van Gaal’s side were clinging to a 2-1 lead in the 86th minute when Martial took possession on the left, surged past Martin Skrtel and cut inside before calmly steering his shot into the far corner to cap a memorable United debut.
“When you make a goal like Anthony you cannot wish for more I think,” Van Gaal said.
“A lot of players have made a debut and scored with me so it’s a good signal.”
Asked if he was relieved to see Martial impress so quickly after the criticism of his signing, van Gaal insisted he had been confident in the youngster’s ability to thrive in the Premier League.
“We have scouted him and we wanted him because he’s the best in his age, he needs time,” he said.
“He’s been with us for three days, that is too short to judge his personality but he made a very good impression in first three days, that’s why I selected him to be on the bench.
“He scored a marvellous goal and physically he can play in the Premier League.”
Van Gaal hopes the victory over their arch rivals will signal the end of their early-season difficulties.
United endured a testing start to the campaign, struggling for goals and facing criticism over their transfer dealings, and they went into the international break on the back of a 2-1 defeat at Swansea City.
But the win blew off the cobwebs, with David de Gea back in goal following the collapse of his proposed move to Real Madrid.
“I think in a difficult period like we had in the transfer period, with a lot of problems with players who are going and coming, it is always worse with Manchester United than the other clubs,” said Van Gaal, whose side climbed to second place in the table, five points below Manchester City.
“We have noticed that and I think we have managed that very well. We have qualified ourselves (in the Champions League), we have 10 points from five matches (in the league).
“That is a good record. There is only one club better and our aim is to be the best, but now we are five points behind Manchester City. We still look to that position, but I am happy.”
Martial’s goal settled nerves after Christian Benteke had brought Liverpool back into the game with a magnificent overhead bicycle kick moments earlier.
United had gone 2-0 up in the second half courtesy of a smooth Daley Blind finish from a training-ground free-kick routine and an emphatic Ander Herrera penalty.
But Van Gaal was critical of his side for almost allowing Liverpool back into the match, declaring himself more satisfied with their controlled first-half showing and lamenting their failure to “kill the game”.
Martial, a 65th-minute replacement for Juan Mata, may not have long to wait for his full debut, however, with Van Gaal revealing that skipper Wayne Rooney is unlikely to play in United’s Champions League opener away to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday due to what is reported to be a hamstring injury.
Martial, a 65th-minute replacement for Juan Mata, may not have long to wait for his full debut, however, with Van Gaal revealing that skipper Wayne Rooney is unlikely to play in United’s Champions League opener away to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday due to what is reported to be a hamstring injury.
Van Gaal’s mood was in stark contrast to his opposite number Brendan Rodgers, who addressed journalists in a dejected whisper in his post-match media conference.
Liverpool have now conceded six goals in two games, following their 3-0 home defeat by West Ham United, and trail City by eight points.
“It’s five games in,” said Rodgers, whose side launch their Europa League campaign away to Bordeaux on Thursday.
“We haven’t created anywhere near as much as we would like. We have to go away with the coaches and the staff and see how we can find ways to be much more creative.
“We are still looking to find that way – and there’s players coming in – to get that balance in the team.”
“This is the biggest game in this country, maybe in the world in terms of derby games. It’s an incredible game.
“I’ve been sat here when we’ve won 3-0 and it felt great. When you lose 3-1, you don’t feel so good.
“It is difficult for the supporters. We just have to go away, work harder and do better.”
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