Manchester United kicked off 2016 with their first victory in nine matches thanks to a 2-1 defeat of Swansea.
The pressure on Louis van Gaal was eased slightly as United found the net twice despite a lacklustre opening half.
It was a familiar sight for the home fans as once again the Old Trafford faithful sat through an opening 45 minutes without a goal.
https://twitter.com/MatthewStanger/status/683314486418259968
The second half came to life as United’s golden boy Anthony Martial found the back of the net with a well-placed header.
Of course, Man United fans being the optimists they are, couldn’t help but wonder what more the Frenchman would be doing with a better supporting cast.
When Martial is played as the striker, and with an inform group of players around him, that'll be some season for him.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) January 2, 2016
They should just divide Rooney's salary among Young and Martial!
— LaVar Ball (@Kennystry) January 2, 2016
The lead didn’t last, however, as Gylfi Sigurdsson brought the Swans level with a header of his own.
1-1 is twice as good as 0-0.
— Out of Context Bandwagons (@bifurcated_MBM) January 2, 2016
Naturally, a scapegoat began to emerge in the shape of England and United captain Wayne Rooney.
https://twitter.com/Jameel_MUFC/status/683324999038545920
But Rooney came to the rescue just seven minutes later with a fantastic flicked finished and the tone changed somewhat…
Rooney, best #mufc player by some distance today, puts them back ahead with smart back-heel from cross by Martial. 2-1 at Old Trafford
— Ian Herbert (@ianherbs) January 2, 2016
The goal put Rooney into second place on two prestigious goal-scoring lists.
That Rooney finish was delicious. Now only Bobby Charlton (249) ahead of Rooney (238) in Man Utd goals.
— Nick Harris (@sportingintel) January 2, 2016
188 – Wayne Rooney is now the outright second top goalscorer in Premier League history (188 goals), behind Alan Shearer (260). Wait.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 2, 2016
Although they held on for the win, it wasn’t without its close calls as David de Gea denied Ashley Williams late on.
without De Gea, we'd be in relegation zone
— 👑🇧🇩 𝗵𝘂𝘇𝗮𝘆𝗳𝗮 •• (@Kroos_Control) January 2, 2016
https://twitter.com/YoungsTeflon/status/683330513759768577
But there was only one man that fans believed was responsible for keeping the under fire Louis van Gaal in a job.
Plenty of nervous moments for United but a win is a win. Not sure what Van Gaal would do without Anthony Martial.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) January 2, 2016
Martial is saving Van Gaal from the sack. That lad is going to be one hell of a player.
— James Stretford (@Jamesstretford) January 2, 2016
