Man Utd choice on Van de Beek and Martial clauses already proving right decision

Positive news at Manchester United is hard to come by these days, so it's no surprise that the two good stories related to the club from the weekend were, in fact, away from Old Trafford.

As Ralf Rangnick 's side limped to another draw, in which they yet again impressed in the first half before conceding almost straightaway in the second, two senior players were having a great time elsewhere.

Donny van de Beek made his first start in Everton's impressive 3-0 win over Leeds United. And Anthony Martial played 82 minutes as Sevilla picked up all three points at home to Elche.

Weirdly, or perhaps not to eagle-eyed fans of both players, they enjoyed a similar amount of personal success.

Will Martial and Van de Beek have long-term futures at Manchester United? Comment below.

Both had involvements in goals. Van de Beek's cross was eventually turned home by Seamus Coleman while Martial directly set up Rafa Mir for Sevilla's second.

And both were named man of the match for their respective teams.

Everton boss Frank Lampard couldn't hide his admiration for the Dutchman's performance at full-time.

"I sort of expected that, because I knew Donny as a player from the outside, brought him here because of his talents in terms of he can play, his intelligence, his work ethic, really intelligent and technical player," Lampard said.

"He was part of a really strong work-ethic kind of performance, he matched the other players in that sense, he gave us a sense of calm, he linked the play, looks confident on the ball and that's exactly what I brought him here to do."

"I think he can do different roles, and that was the beauty and why I moved so quickly to try to get him when I came in."

While Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui was quick to point to the Frenchman's ability following his home debut.

"He is a footballer who [has] arrived now, the adaptation, the time and the demands are great," the Spaniard said via AS.

"He comes from not playing for his team.

"He can play in several positions. He has that ability, the most important thing is what we do in each game."

It's tough viewing and reading for United fans who have watched their side struggle in an attacking sense of late.

Limp draws against Southampton and Burnley followed an FA Cup exit at the hands of Middlesbrough, which again ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

However, seeing both Van de Beek and Martial thrive means United did get one thing right with both players' loan terms; neither deal included an option to buy for Everton and Sevilla.

While it may look as though Van de Beek and Martial have little chance of succeeding at United, club chiefs are certainly taking no chances.

If both players can prove their worth as United go on struggling then Rangnick and Co. will no doubt be pleased to call upon those two next term.

Pick up tomorrow's Daily Mirror and get a FREE £2 Shop Bet with William Hill which can be used on any of the sport action!

18 + Terms apply. See tomorrow's paper for your voucher.