With an impressive 4-0 preseason win over Liverpool in Thailand, Erik ten Hag had the ideal start to his tenure as Manchester United manager.
Jadon Sancho’s rasping shot, a wonderful lob from Fred, and a breakaway attempt from Anthony Martial gave United an unstoppable three-goal lead at the half against an entirely unfamiliar Liverpool team.
Liverpool left themselves with too much ground to make up on United, who sealed the encouraging win with a brilliant late fourth from Facundo Pellistri.
Liverpool began the game with five teenagers and didn’t introduce big hitters Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, or summer signing Darwin Nunez until the 61st minute.
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There is reason for confidence at the start of this new era even though Ten Hag’s term may still be in its infancy and this performance was almost probably boosted by Jurgen Klopp’s team selection.
In front of tens of thousands of eager spectators at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium, United and Liverpool both contributed to a franticly entertaining start. It took just 13 minutes for Sancho to score the game-winning goal, pouncing on Isaac Mabaya’s error.
Before summer signing Fabio Carvalho went close and Luis Diaz hit the woodwork amid a flurry of activity in front of the United goal, Liverpool youngster Luke Chambers had two chances to bring Liverpool level. However, Ten Hag’s team would double their lead on the half-hour mark as Fred nonchalantly chipped in from 18 yards on his unfavorite right boot.
On the half-hour mark, Klopp made ten outfield substitutions, but two soon turned into three as Martial marked his return from a loan spell at Sevilla with a stunning solo goal, streaking into the Liverpool area and sniping a shot over Alisson Becker.
The only time Liverpool responded was on the 70th minute when Nunez stung the palms of goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who had just come on for the injured David de Gea. Despite maintaining their composure, Liverpool was unable to take advantage of United’s ten halftime substitutions.
When Liverpool’s first-choice XI took the field for the last 30 minutes, they were a stronger, more recognizable team.
Any hopes of a comeback were dashed 13 minutes from time when Eric Bailly was allowed to advance unimpeded through midfield and Pellistri scored after combining with Amad Diallo. Mohamed Salah hit the post and Nunez missed a clear-cut opportunity.