Marcus Rashford has admitted that the energy Manchester United displayed from the first whistle was the key to helping them record their first victory of the season against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Monday night.
Goals either side of half-time from Jadon Sancho and Rashford fired United into a commanding two-goal lead before the visitors clawed one back in the closing stages through a Mohamed Salah header. United were dominant from the first whistle and produced their best performance for several months.
After being brushed aside by Brentford a little over a week ago, United were far superior to their arch-rivals, fully deserving their first win under Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman's brave selection calls paid off and his decisions to hand first starts of the season to Raphael Varane and Tyrell Malacia were fully justified.
READ MORE: Manchester United player ratings vs Liverpool
But while the impacts of the aforementioned duo could not be ignored, the secret, in the eyes of Rashford, was the tempo United set from the first minute. It was a notable difference from the defeats to both Brighton and Brentford.
"It's a massive game for the club," Rashford told Sky Sports. "I've always said, regardless of the circumstances, that you're in a game against Liverpool.
"It's massive no matter what circumstances you're in. To get the win is massive. We've not done so well starting the season so it's good to pick up the first three points.
"To be honest, I think it was just energy. We just started the game at a higher tempo. We were tired towards the end, but we kept going, stuck at it.
"They got a goal back and we didn't fold - we kept defending well. It was an enjoyable game to play in."
READ NEXT:
