Anthony Martial continues to show that £36million Manchester United paid up front to Monaco might be a bargain after all, scoring two delightful goals to help his new team to a 3-2 victory over Southampton.
It looked like being another long day in the English Premier League for Louis Van Gaal's men when Graziano Pelle scored in the 13th minute, but the Manchester United faithful at St. Mary's came alive on 34 minutes, when Martial equalised, via a brilliant turn and astute finish.
The 19-year-old wasn't done, with the France international giving Manchester United the lead in the 50th minute, taking full advantage of a defensive mistake from Southampton, before the other outstanding player on the day – Juan Mata – made it 3-1 on 68 minutes.
Southampton refused to give in, though, and Pelle complete his brace with a thumping header four minutes from the 90, but Manchester United, deservedly, kept it at 3-2 to take home all three points.
Understandably, all the post-match talk was centred on Martial, who has, so far, belied his age and lack of experience.
"It's like you see in the game – he [Martial] is very calm, very relaxed," compatriot Morgan Schneiderlin, who picked up a win against his former team, was quoted by the club's official website. "He is an amazing talent. He came to the Premier League and he scores and he wants to do his best.
"He's a very intelligent guy, very calm. Today he showed great composure and great skill and power. He will be a great player for the future of Manchester United."
This is the second straight win in the Premier League for Manchester United, with the club carrying on that impressive victory over Liverpool, and manager Louis Van Gaal firmly believes his team are capable of competing for the title, with the gap between the leaders Manchester City now cut down to just two points.
"It's a fantastic result away at Southampton and I think we have made a statement that we shall compete for the title," the Dutchman said.
