Manchester United vs. Liverpool: Anthony Martial's Stunning Debut Offers Hope

Manchester United vs. Liverpool was the very embodiment of the old footballing cliche—a game of two halves.

The first half was drab, hard to watch and lacking in clear-cut chances for either side. United played as they have done so often this season. They were reasonably bright in the first 10 minutes, but after that early burst they spent much of the half in possession of the ball but not really doing anything with it.

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In that first 45 minutes, Marouane Fellaini managed to make United fans pine for Wayne Rooney—not prime Rooney, either, but the out-of-sorts Rooney who has struggled so far this season.

Memphis Depay was ineffective once again, holding onto the ball for too long and trying too hard to make things happen. Fellaini was, in truth, pretty equivalent to Rooney—and that is not currently a compliment. Juan Mata was unable to influence proceedings all that much, although he was, of course, tidy in possession.

There was next to no bite. No real vim and vigour in the attack. There was control in abundance, as manager Louis van Gaal celebrated in his post-match interview (h/t the club's website).

"I think we played better in the first half, we had far more control but we didn't create so much. I think there were two chances and a lot of possibilities in the third and fourth phase but the last pass was not so good," said Van Gaal. The manager's take was at odds with most fans', though.

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There was plenty of control, but there were no goals, and it was unclear where any were likely to come from.

In the end, the first came from a surprising source. A training-ground routine resulted in Daley Blind setting into motion a chain of events that resulted in a memorable and enjoyable victory.

The free-kick from which he scored came from a purposeful run from Ashley Young. Indeed, Van Gaal's substitution of Young for the struggling Memphis was a key turning point in the game. From then on, United's attack looked more purposeful, more threatening.

That, of course, will not be the substitution that grabs the headlines. That honour belongs to the arrival into United's side—and into English football—of Anthony Martial. His goal came at a vital time. After United went 2-0 up, Liverpool were re-energised, and United lost control of the game.

Christian Benteke's remarkable goal set United nerves on edge—until Martial scored an even more remarkable one and completely changed the tenor of how this game will be remembered. It was an incredible moment, a real “this is why football is wonderful” moment.

Since he arrived at Old Trafford, he has had to endure plenty of criticism of his transfer, including a back page from the Daily Mirror with "What a Waste of Money" emblazoned across it above his picture.

"

Would you do me the honour of circulating this @UtdRantcast? pic.twitter.com/sr6UcSb0sq

— Matt Williams (@SportingGlasses) September 12, 2015"

One moment will not change much about the ultimate value of his transfer, of course. However, that one moment did change the complexion of the game and potentially showed a glimpse of what he can add to United's otherwise-ailing attack.

If he can repeat that kind of performance in front of goal, fans will be very happy. Even if he cannot, though, his ability to stretch defences could be crucial in what can otherwise be a pretty static attacking line-up.

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In theory, Memphis should play the same role, but he has all too often found himself running into defenders rather than running in behind them.

That opposing defenders now know Martial has a goal like that in his repertoire will surely give them pause. That he was able to score that goal on his United debut—after such a high-profile transfer, at his age, under the pressure of playing against Liverpool in front of the Stretford End—should scare them silly.

Things have not suddenly become rosy in United's attack. Rooney's injury exposed their limited resources in terms of numbers. Fellaini's performance was a pretty good advert for playing an authentic centre-forward at No. 9.

Martial's goal put some polish on an otherwise fairly dull performance.

However, while that goal does not suddenly mean United's attacking woes are a thing of the past, it does suggest Martial's arrival into the squad will make a difference this season, let alone what he can add in the years ahead.

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After all, his arrival into the squad has already made an impact. His remarkable debut will be remembered for years to come.