Magnificent Seven Part 4- Best Debut Goals

Over the years, many United players have enjoyed terrific breakthrough goals and have excited the faithful with their debut strikes. And while most of them have lived up to the hype, there have been some who’ve been disappointing to say the least. In this edition we’ll have a look at the Best Ever Debut Strikes by Manchester United players over the years.

Van Nistelrooy vs Liverpool (Aug 12,2001)

Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored in his first ever game for United against bitter rivals Liverpool in the Community Shield. Following a through pass by Giggs, Ruud rounded past Liverpool keeper Sander Westerveld as he got one back for his side. Unfortunately for him, the goal wasn’t enough to spark a comeback as Liverpool ran away with a 2-1 win and clained their 14th Community Shield trophy.

Harrop vs Crystal Palace (May 21, 2017)

Josh Harrop, a relatively unknown quantity prior to his debut, scored a brilliant goal on his debut as Mourinho fielded a team of reserves in the final game of the season against Palace.Pouncing upon Pogba’s superb pass, Harrop beat a couple of Palace defenders to score a sensational strike which gave Stekelenburg no chance. However, his dream stay at the club didn’t last long as he agreed to leave his club in order to complete a free move to Preston North End in search of regular game time.

Martial vs Liverpool (September 12, 2015)

“Ohh Yes! Welcome to Manchester United, Anthony Martial.!!” Martin Tyler’s genuine excitement summed up every United supporter’s feeling. Following criticism from the media post his £36m pound big-money move, Martial shut down his critics in the perfect manner. He danced past Clyne and Skrtel and then unleashed a strike past Mignolet that reminded everyone of a certain chap named Thierry Henry. He had a brilliant season but his second season wasn’t good by his standards as he was regularly found on the periphery of the first team squad, which has put his immediate future into doubt.

Macheda vs Aston Villa (April 5, 2009)

One of the biggest disappointments in recent history, Macheda will forever be remembered for his sumptuous debut strike which proved to be the winner against Aston Villa. He controlled Giggs’ pass well, shifted the ball to his other side and then made a turn and shot a swerving ball past the Villa keeper as Tyler cracked his voice shouting “Machedaaaaargh” in absolute joy. After such a special strike, who would’ve thought that he would be plying his trade at Novara Calcio in Italian second tier one day.

Wilson vs Hull City (May 6, 2014)

James Wilson scored a dream brace on his debut as he helped sink Hull City in the Premier League.For the first goal, Fellaini headed down a long ball into the path of Wilson, who scored a cracking left-footed volley. Fellaini was involved in the second goal as well, as his strike bounced back off the keeper and into the path of Wilson who made no mistake in tapping home the ball. He’s still at United by the way, as he recovers from a long term injury sustained during his loan spell at Derby County last season.

Scholes vs Port Vale (September 21, 1994)

Paul Scholes, one of the members of the illustrious Class of ’92, had a debut to remember as he capped off a superb performance with a brace. His first goal was a clean chipped goal, while his second was a header placed perfectly into the bottom corner. A great game for a midfielder, wasn’t it?

Rooney vs Fenerbahce (September 24, 2004)

Wayne Rooney has had one hell of a career at United. And it was all evident from his first ever game in the Champions League against Fenerbahce, as the 18 year old striker bagged a wonderful hat-trick. His first was a left-footed strike from outside the box, while his second was another beautifully struck rocket from way out. He capped off his sensational debut with a stunning free-kick late in the game, and even today, his debut is widely considered as one of the best debuts ever in the history of football.

 

Which Debut Goal do YOU think was the Best?

Van Nistelrooy vs Liverpool (Aug 12,2001)
Harrop vs Crystal Palace (May 21, 2017)
Martial vs Liverpool (September 12, 2015)
Macheda vs Aston Villa (April 5, 2009)
Wilson vs Hull City (May 6, 2014)
Scholes vs Port Vale (September 21, 1994)
Rooney vs Fenerbahce (September 24, 2004)

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