For his big first on the Manchester United bench, Erik ten Hag offered himself a success with the manner against Liverpool in a friendly (4-0) on Tuesday. Without Cristiano Ronaldo, announced on departure and absent from this tour, Anthony Martial stood out.

Everything smiled at Manchester United for the premiere of its new coach Erik ten Hag , with great success against the second team of Liverpool (4-0), this Tuesday in Bangkok, which made forget the absence of the superstar Cristiano Ronaldo .

The Dutch technician took seriously the disputed friendly match in the heat of the Thai capital, aligning at kick-off his best possible formation, around Bruno Fernandes.

Despite the lack of stake, “winning must be our standard”, had asserted Monday the former coach of Ajax Amsterdam, who dictated the tempo in the first period by being active in his technical area. Between pressing in defense and offensive efficiency, his players were in tune, starting with striker Anthony Martial, scorer for the 3-0 (33rd) on a personal feat. He hadn’t scored since February.

Martial seized his chance

The Frenchman, who remains on a failed six-month loan to Seville, took his chance at the N.9 position, deserted by Ronaldo who blocked his way last season. The Portuguese having been excused from touring, against a backdrop of rumors around his departure this summer, the former Lyonnais submitted his candidacy to take his place, with 45 minutes full of intensity which earned him the title of man of the match from the organizer.

Before Martial, Jadon Sancho (12th) and Fred (30th) initiated the “Red Devils” festival, which brought smiles to Thai fans disappointed by 6th place in the Premier League last season. Facundo Pellistri increased the bill on the counter (77th).

A big turnover in Liverpool

On the “Reds” side, coach Jürgen Klopp, acclaimed by the local public, carried out the extensive squad review he had announced. Flagship rookie Darwin Nunez, bought this summer for nearly 100 million euros including bonuses from Benfica Lisbon, played the last half hour like most Liverpool executives.

The Uruguayan, whose ponytail gives him false airs of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, tried his luck (69th, 87th), in vain. Luis Diaz hit the post (18th, 19th), Mohamed Salah too (87th). “This match came too soon but I saw good things,” Klopp said.

The “Reds” continue their Asian tour in Singapore, where they face Crystal Palace on Friday. The Mancunians fly to Australia on Wednesday. The Premier League resumes on August 6.

Source: F.Ga with AFP

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