Debutant Martial helps two United fans win exact-score prediction prizes
Two United fans celebrate new man's debut goal with prizes for predicting correct score
For the Manchester United fans, this was a match in which they yearned for "the real Red Devils to please stand up" against their bitter rivals.
For 60-year-old manager Lim Lik Mong and 31-year-old sales and marketing executive Vincent Li, it was more of a case of "Martial matters".
Anthony Martial, to be exact.
The 19-year-old France international, the world's most expensive teenage footballer, came off the bench for his debut in the 65th minute and scored 21 minutes later to seal the Red Devils' 3-1 win over Liverpool yesterday morning (Singapore time).
Lim and Li were happier than most at The New Paper's EPL Mania live screening of the fiercely contested affair at the Tiger TNP Sports Bar at Shanghai Dolly in Clarke Quay.
PREMIUM GOODIES
After all, they were the only two, out of 60 fans, to correctly predict the final score and earn premium goodies from Singtel TV and TNP.
Lim explained: "I think most people were expecting 1-0 or 2-1.
"There were only three prizes, so I thought I would have a better chance of winning if I guessed a more unusual scoreline."
Li added: "It was a random guess for me.
"United played better and Martial looks like a good signing - his composed finish helped me win too."
Each of the 60 fans at the Tiger TNP Sports Bar got good value for their $15 registration fee as they claimed two mugs of beer, finger food and a goodie bag.
Both sets of fans created an electric atmosphere at the venue, although it was the United fans who had the last laugh.
But Christian Benteke's acrobatic wonder strike provided some consolation for Liverpool fans such as 25-year-old account manager Stanley Gan.
"We definitely missed Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson as we were outclassed by United," he said.
"If we continue at this pace, even Europa League qualification would be a daunting task.
"I hope Daniel Sturridge can return soon to complement Benteke.
"I would love to see the Reds bounce back and challenge for a Champions League spot."
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