Louis Van Gaal gives Manchester United players a break

“Anthony Martial’s been terrific”, Smalling said.

Van Gaal must have sensed the boos were coming for him after the final whistle.

“I just think he’s been playing so long now that maybe it’s 30 on his birth certificate but in terms of games played he’s a 35-year-old player”, Carragher noted.

The game also helped ease the pressure on Rooney. “But you can not always do that”, he said. Once again, Happy New Year to all. Lyon had also passed over local boy Antoine Griezmann, who, to the frustration of their fans, made it elsewhere. There is a statue of him arm in arm with George Best and Bobby Charlton – the other two members of United’s famed “Holy Trinity” – outside the East Stand of Old Trafford.

Whether it was his solo goal against Liverpool, his cool brace against Southampton or his well-taken header against CSKA Moscow, the Frenchman has registered more individual contributions than any other United player this season. It is understood Van Gaal told his players they could have a few days off after their win over Swansea after their busy Christmas schedule.

They will not amuse Van Gaal, however, who has been vocal in deflecting criticism of his tenure. At United, players dare not be a minute late for a meal – before a home game there’s one in late afternoon at the training ground and then a 10 p.m. supper at the team hotel – or his many meetings. For me, it is more important he scores today. “I hope this is a fantastic starting point for us”.

Luckily for under-fire United boss Louis van Gaal, Wayne Rooney came to the rescue 13 minutes from time when he cleverly flicked Martial’s cross into the net to ensure the hosts began the year on a high. The last time United went winless in eight consecutive outings was way back in 1989. “We shall do our utmost best, fight to the end and he has done that”.

When Paul Scholes described United as being “boring” under Van Gaal earlier this season, it was bad enough for the club to have one of its most illustrious former players sticking the boot into the Dutchman’s so-called “philosophy”.