Manchester United got their season up and running once again as they beat rivals Liverpool 3-1 at Old Trafford. The Red Devil’s started the game without a recognised striker on the pitch after Wayne Rooney suffered an injury days before the game, so Louis van Gaal opted to for Marouane Fellaini.

The first half was a poor show from the two sides, who both seemed reluctant to give the game a go. But the game certainly burst into life during the second half.

United took the lead early on in the second half through a perfectly worked set-piece. Juan Mata’s pass found an unmarked Daley Blind who reluctantly smashed the ball into the top corner.

Van Gaal’s men doubled their lead when Ander Herrera won and scored a penalty after being fouled by Liverpool’s Joe Gomez.

Christian Benteke pegged a goal back in the 83rd minute with a stunning overhead kick that gave Liverpool a big chance to savour something from the game, but it wasn’t to be for the Merseyside club as United’s new teenage sensation stepped up.

Anthony Martial made his debut as a substitute in the game and looked lively throughout with some brilliant off the ball movement. The 19-year-old, a £36m deadline day acquisition from Monaco, became an instant hero for United by taking on Skrtel and Clyne before slotting the ball past Mignolet, game over, and a star is born.

Goalkeeper David De Gea made his first start of the season following his transfer madness that occurred over the summer. The Spaniard made some fine saves during the game and showed why United were desperate to keep hold of him.

Here’s how we rated the United team following their victory over Liverpool:

De Gea – 7.5/10

Darmian – 7/10

Smalling – 8/10

Blind – 9/10

Shaw – 7/10

Schweinsteiger – 8.5/10

Carrick – 8/10

Mata – 7.5/10

Herrera – 7.5/10

Depay – 6.5/10

Fellaini – 6.5/10

Subs: Young (7), Martial (8), Schneiderlin (7)