Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Score and Reaction from 2015 Premier League

Manchester United climbed to second in the Premier League after beating bitter rivals Liverpool 3-1 on Saturday at Old Trafford thanks to second-half goals from Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and debutant Anthony Martial. 

A sensational overhead kick from Christian Benteke proved only a consolation for Brendan Rodgers' men, who saw any chance of a point escape them after substitute Martial scored to seal a perfect start to his Red Devils career.

The fixture opened up significantly in the second period as both outfits enjoyed a better sight at goal, but Louis van Gaal's men were altogether more clinical in tucking away their chances as the visitors lost their resolve.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Manchester United No. 1 David De Gea made his first appearance of the season fresh after signing a new four-year contract with the club, and his return proved crucial to the hosts claiming their win.

The Manchester United faithful let their stopper know just how appreciative they were to see him pen a new deal at the club with a rousing ovation, per 101 Great Goals:

As far as derby clashes between these two clubs go, Saturday's first half will be considered a forgettable one compared to the sparks fans are used to seeing in meetings of this nature.

Liverpool frontman Benteke found himself out of position all too often as far as Rodgers will be concerned, straying offside in situations that called for a cooler head.

Similarly, Memphis Depay looked almost overeager to get a glimpse at goal and was taken off at the halfway mark in place of Ashley Young, who helped spur on a much-improved second-half display.

It was just four minutes after the restart that Blind swept home a terrifically worked training-ground move from outside Simon Mignolet's box. Match of the Day highlighted his efficiency in front of goal:

The set piece would prove hospitable for United, too, as Herrera ghosted through the Liverpool defence just 20 minutes later, capitalising on Joe Gomez's inexperience to earn a penalty for the hosts.

The Spaniard dusted himself down to convert from 12 yards and double United's lead, 2-0, and morale seemed to be waning among Rodgers' men.

But with five minutes remaining, Benteke forced Liverpool back into the fixture in the most direct way possible, scorching home a bicycle kick that De Gea had no chance of stopping.

Sky Sports Statto noted the Belgium international has a knack for scoring past Van Gaal's side, just as he did last term while at Aston Villa:

That boost in spirits would prove short-lived, though, as Martial waded his way through a sea of Liverpool defenders to net a debut goal Old Trafford won't forget in a hurry.

The £36 million arrival has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders, but he showed none of it as he cut in from the left flank before beating Mignolet in a mighty show of his individual powers.

Jon Super/Associated Press

This was a glance at the type of United Van Gaal has been trying to unearth for some time, although both teams will want to forget their first half in a hurry.

The Red Devils still sit five points off rivals Manchester City, but a hugely improved second half against Liverpool showed what this team is capable of producing in the future.

Post-Match Reaction

After doing the double over their fierce enemies last season, Manchester United will have been eager to pick up their season with another win over Liverpool this weekend.

And Van Gaal couldn't help but note his 100 percent record against the Merseysiders when addressing why it is he likes Liverpool so much, according to the BBC's Ben Smith:

One of the biggest talking points from Saturday's triumph was the individual impact of debutant Martial, whom Van Gaal said will take time to settle but is showing all the signs to be a success, per BBC Sport:

"

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 have scouted him and we wanted him because he’s the best in his age, he needs time. 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.

"

The manager isn't the only one excited by his latest signing, either, as Young and Blind each expressed their excitement at Martial's start to life at United, per the Premier League and Manchester United Twitter accounts:

Speaking to Sky Sports after the defeat, Rodgers admitted his side must improve when it comes to composing themselves on the ball, hailing the performance of Benteke in particular, per BBC Sport:

"

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.

We got back into the game with a brilliant goal but then we concede a disappointed third and that kills is. We need to be a lot technically better than we showed today. Over the first five games now creating goals is something we need to look at. It is too easy sometimes for us to go direct to Christian Benteke, who was excellent today. I have a group who will respond but we have to be technically better.

"

Attentions now shift to European matters as Manchester United and Liverpool prepare to take on PSV and Bordeaux in the Champions League and Europa League next week, respectively.

United did well to thrive without the services of captain Wayne Rooney on Saturday, and Van Gaal hinted to BBC Sport his striker may sit out Tuesday's fixture: "I don’t think he should play Tuesday; we don’t want to take any risks with our captain, but you never know. It’s Saturday, and we still have Sunday and Monday."

Considering just how impressive Martial was against Liverpool, Rooney's absence could give the 19-year-old French youngster his opportunity to make a first start for the club, although that may prove to be too soon.