Juan Mata praises how Manchester United coped without Rooney to beat Liverpool in Martial's dream debut

Juan Mata has tipped Anthony Martial to have a bright future at Manchester United after the French starlet enjoyed a "dream debut" with the Premier League giants by scoring a stunning goal in the 3-1 victory over Liverpool after coming on as a substitute. The Spanish playmaker, meanwhile, highlighted how Louis van Gaal's side coped with the absences of injured Wayne Rooney and the warm reception which the Old Trafford fans gave to David De Gea following his decision to renew his contract at the club.

Many have questioned both the huge fee paid for the 19-years-old starlet and the shortage of attack in the squad after the departures of Javier Hernandez Chicharito, Radamel Falcao and Robin Van Persie have left Rooney and the former Monaco youngster as the only forwards in the team – as James Wilson is also expected to move on loan to a Championship side. But the Premier League giants responded to the doubters on Saturday 12 September after securing another victory against Brendan Rodgers' side thanks to the goals of Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Martial while Marouane Fellaini replaced Rooney up front.

De Gea, meanwhile, couldn't avoid Christian Benteke's goal but made a couple of fine saves to Danny Ings and Jordon Ibe in his first appearance of the season after signing a new four-year contract following the collapse of his move to Real Madrid. Mata was delighted with the victory after playing his role in the Blind's opener before being replaced by the world's most expensive teenager after 65 minutes.

"Overall, it was an important win for many reasons: we were able to overcome Rooney's absence, our new team-mate Martial scored his first goal, De Gea received a warm ovation from the fans... I think it was one of those perfect days, and I hope we can enjoy many more in Old Trafford this season," Mata wrote in his weekly blog on Kicca."I'm very happy for Anthony, it's a dream debut and I'm sure this is going to be the first goal of many..."