Manchester United thrash Liverpool in Erik ten Hag opener
Manchester United opened their preparations for the 2022-23 season with a thumping 4-0 victory over bitter rivals Liverpool at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok on Tuesday.
While Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp named an understrength and inexperienced starting XI, new Man United boss Erik ten Hag sent arguably his strongest available side onto the field.
The Red Devils took the lead in the 12th minute of the contest when Jadon Sancho expertly fired home from inside the penalty area, before Fred doubled their advantage in the 30th minute, brilliantly chipping Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker after the ball had fallen kindly for the Brazilian.
Liverpool boss Klopp responded by making 10 changes in the 32nd minute, with Joel Matip, James Milner and Curtis Jones among those to enter the field for the Reds.
Man United had a third less than one minute later, though, when Anthony Martial, who was picked through the middle in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, raced through on goal before brilliantly firing past Alisson.
Man United were not finished in terms of the scoresheet, though, and made it 4-0 in the 76th minute when Facundo Pellistri brilliantly picked out the back of the net after smart work from Amad Diallo.
Bailly’s charging run from the back was the main talking point for the fourth goal, and it proved to be just about the perfect start for Ten Hag in Thailand.
Man United will now head to Australia for matches against Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, while Liverpool are next in action against Palace in Singapore on Friday.
End of line
