Manchester United got the Erik ten Hag era off to a flying start by beating Liverpool 4-0 in the first game of pre-season.
Playing in the searing Bangkok heat at the Rajamangala Stadium, the Red Devils swarmed Jurgen Klopp’s side in the opening 45 minutes.
Despite only being at the helm for two weeks, Ten Hag’s philosophy was clear to see in his first game in charge of the Reds.
Goalscorers: Jadon Sancho, Fred, Anthony Martial and Facundo Pellistri.
Here are five things we learned from Manchester United v Liverpool.
Things we learned from Manchester United Liverpool
Anthony Martial looks hungry
With Cristiano Ronaldo not part of the 31-man squad that travelled to Bangkok, Martial led the line against United’s fierce rivals.
After struggling to shine during his loan spell at Sevilla, Martial looks to have returned to United with a point to prove and eager to prove his worth to Ten Hag.
Playing with a smile on his face, the Frenchman’s work rate out of possession and willingness to run the channels was clear to see.
United’s number nine enjoyed playing in a fluid frontline with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho which was given a wealth of ammunition by chief creator and captain Bruno Fernandes.
Martial showcased his composure in front of goal when he dinked the ball over the onrushing Alisson.
Jadon Sancho looks sharp
After a difficult first season at Old Trafford, the former Borussia Dortmund man missed out on England’s squad for last month’s Nations League matches.
But in his first 45 minutes under Ten Hag, the confidence and swagger that resulted in Sancho shining in the Bundesliga week in, week out could well have returned.
The 22-year-old opened the scoring with a clinical finish into the far bottom corner.
Every time United’s number 25 had the ball at his feet his first thought was to hurt the opposition and drive forwards.
David de Gea injury concern
De Gea was the only player from the Manchester United starting line-up to come out for the second half.
But after coming off his line to collect a loose ball, the Spaniard grimaced and only a few minutes later he was replaced by Tom Heaton.
United’s number one was replaced with just over 20 minutes to go and it looked some form of muscle tweak which forced the former Atletico Madrid man to come off.
With United set to face Melbourne Victory in Australia, Ten Hag will be fit to face former Red Nani’s new club.
Tyrell Malacia makes United debut
Manchester United’s only signing of the summer transfer window so far came on to replace Luke Shaw for the second half.
It will take time for the former Feyenoord man to adapt to the frantic pace and tempo off the Premier League compared to the Eredivisie.
United’s new number 12 produced an industrious display and he’ll get better with every passing game and training session with his new manager and teammates.
Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal impress
After ringing the changes in the second half, Ten Hag showed his faith in youngsters Iqbal and Savage by unleashing the pair in midfield.
Playing against the likes of Thiago and Fabinho, United’s academy graduates, who made their first team debuts in last season’s Champions League clash against Young Boys, relished the challenge and were always looking to get on the ball.
After an impressive start to United’s tour, the talented pair will be targeting further minutes during pre-season.
Ten Hag showed during his time in Amsterdam that he will give youngsters a chance if he believes they warrant the opportunity and for Iqbal and Savage, there first outing under the 52-year-old couldn’t have gone any better.
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