Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness believes that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal deserves credit for promoting youth talent in his squad.

18-year-old Marcus Rashford was once again the hero for United on Sunday after his goal led the Red Devils to a crucial 1-0 win over local rivals Manchester City.

The likes of Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial also put in noteworthy performances in the win at the Etihad Stadium, prompting Liverpool legend Souness to commend van Gaal for his decision to continue giving youth players a chance.

Souness said: "I think United will be much encouraged by the way the young players played in the first half.

"When City were going after them, it showed [United] had pace and imagination on the break. I think Martial is going to be an absolute star, given he's only 20 years old.

"United were really good today, and I think the manager deserves much credit. We get after him all of the time but he deserves credit.

"Sticking with these young guys, I think we picked holes in playing the young ones all the time before the game, but they came good for them today."