Twitter Reacts to Benteke and Martial Goals as Manchester United Beat Liverpool

Tom WebbSep 12, 2015

Liverpool travelled to arch rivals Manchester United on Saturday with both sides making indifferent starts to the season.

"
Philosophy v Character. #MUFC #LFC pic.twitter.com/UvGFNdwveM
— JOE.co.uk (@JOE_co_uk) September 12, 2015"

For the hosts, David De Gea returned to the side after signing a new contract that followed the breakdown of his move to Real Madrid.

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"
David de Gea welcomed inside Old Trafford… pic.twitter.com/Mn2APws56R
— TheSPORTbible (@TSBible) September 12, 2015"

The occasion got off to an iffy start, with managers Louis van Gaal and Brendan Rodgers completely failing with their pre-match handshake...

"
Caption this! #LFC #MUFC pic.twitter.com/WEQZe8pD2t
— World Soccer Talk (@worldsoccertalk) September 12, 2015"

United started Marouane Fellaini up front in place of the injured Wayne Rooney, while countryman Christian Benteke led the line for Liverpool.

"
Man Utd’s philosophy: knock it up to the tall Belgian The Liverpool way: let’s knock it up to the Belgian, who’s tall.
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) September 12, 2015"

But it's fair to say not all were impressed with the big man's performance...

"
Fellaini's first touch. pic.twitter.com/W7UiacePJl
— BuzzFeed Football (@BuzzFeedUKFB) September 12, 2015"

"
As strikers go, Fellaini is not a striker.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 12, 2015"

"
“Someone needs to explain to Liverpool’s centre-backs and goalkeeper that they’re not very good on the ball.” I do love Gary Neville.
— Liam (@OffsideLiam) September 12, 2015"

The first half was entirely forgettable, the highlight arguably being an attempted head-tackle from James Milner.

"
It's not been all bad - here's James Milner trying to tackle Luke Shaw with his head. pic.twitter.com/KOOY4OKTZc
— Football Clichés (@FootballCliches) September 12, 2015"

"
First-half summary of #MUFCvLFC pic.twitter.com/gaJ8yO7Szi
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) September 12, 2015"

The game sparked into life in the second half, as Daley Blind slammed home a well-orchestrated free-kick routine to put Man United in front...

"
DALEY YOU BEAUTIFUL MAN!
— Chu Morah (@ChuBoi) September 12, 2015"

"
Brendan Rodgers right now... https://t.co/RPeiOEivJc
— JOE.co.uk (@JOE_co_uk) September 12, 2015"

The hosts doubled their lead courtesy of an Ander Herrera penalty, before introducing £36 million signing Anthony Martial.

"
#MUFC 2-0 #LFC (Herrera) pic.twitter.com/mTYvNhJcDv
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) September 12, 2015"

"
About to witness some Martial art
— BuzzFeed Football (@BuzzFeedUKFB) September 12, 2015"

"
What's happened to Ashley Young there in the bottom left? pic.twitter.com/sa16oOH5q8
— BuzzFeed Football (@BuzzFeedUKFB) September 12, 2015"

As United looked on course to stroll to a comfortable win, Liverpool striker Christian Benteke got his side back in the game with a stunning overhead kick.

"
BENTEKE! #LFC pic.twitter.com/TaHquw4YLA
— KICKTV (@KICKTV) September 12, 2015"

"
In a decidedly forgettable game that was a truly memorable goal by Benteke.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) September 12, 2015"

But the drama wasn't over yet, as Martial made it a debut to remember with a brilliant solo goal—cue lots of (not so) original word play and Thierry Henry comparisons.

"
Hearing that martial may function as an adjective?
— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) September 12, 2015"

"
You know what this commentary is missing? More Thierry Henry references.
— Brent Maximin (@brentmaximin) September 12, 2015"

Naturally, the hefty and much-talked-about fee that United paid for Martial was a topic of conversation.

"
GIVE THEM ALL THE ADD ONS RIGHT NOW
— Paul (@UtdRantcast) September 12, 2015"

Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler also seemed to enjoy the goal a little too much...

"
Martin Tyler has just ripped off his suit to reveal a full Man Utd kit with Anthony Martial on the back. Incredible scenes.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) September 12, 2015"

Liverpool fans, meanwhile, were pointing the finger of blame squarely at one man and asking for another...

"
Liverpool need to get rid of Rogers asap, well out his depth. Get Klopp in there before someone else snaps him up
— Cookie (@SeanCooke83) September 12, 2015"