Manchester United secured our first victory of the Erik ten Hag era by beating Liverpool 2-1 at a frenzied Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford scored the goals, but the win was earned through an outstanding team performance, as United rose to the occasion on Monday night.
Although Mohamed Salah’s late header ensured it was a tense final 10 minutes, David De Gea made a couple of crucial saves and United’s back four were superb throughout, marshalled by Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, who were making a first start together as a partnership.
The tenacious contributions of Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia were matched by Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes in midfield.
Our attack was electric too, with Sancho and Rashford making the difference in terms of the scoreline and the two Anthonys – Elanga in the first half, Martial after the break – causing real damage with their penetrative runs.
So, who did you name as United’s Man of the Match?
Well, all 16 Reds who made it on the pitch were included in our poll but ultimately there was a clear winner.
And it’s Martinez who received the plaudits following his assured defensive showing.
The Argentina international set his stall out early doors, refusing to be cowed by Salah early on and he was in the perfect place to block a goalbound clearance from Fernandes shortly before half-time.
Liverpool ramped up the pressure after half-time but Martinez continued to stand firm, contributing a number of blocks and tackles to keep the Merseysiders at bay as they sought to overhaul our lead.
Despite Salah eventually breaking our resolve, United ground out the win and Licha ended up as the runaway winner, gleaning over 50 per cent of your vote, with fellow new boy Malacia second.
“Yeah I think that’s what he’s bringing into the squad [passion],”
Erik said of the defender who played under him at Ajax. “I call it grinta. South American, he is. That is one of his attributes and he can bring it into the squad, into the team but you also saw it, for example ,in the first game against Brighton. Also there, he brings a really good performance.”
Thanks to everyone who voted in our poll.
And congratulations, Lisandro - you were immense!