ERIK TEN HAG’S Manchester United reign got off to the perfect start with a thumping victory over bitter rivals Liverpool.
Yes they may have been full strength as they raced into a commanding lead, compared to the Liverpool team that started the game.
Jadon Sancho scored the first goal of the Erik ten Hag eraCredit: GettyFred doubled United’s lead with an audacious chipCredit: GettyAnthony Martial made it three with a cheeky lob of his ownCredit: Getty
But Red Devils fans will cling on to any positive signs right now.
There were plenty in an impressive first period here on a sweltering evening in Bangkok as well, not least in the performance of Jadon Sancho.
He scored one and generally dazzled in a first half that saw United sprint ahead 3-0.
The England winger has not had the impact he would have wanted after moving to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund.
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Sancho was on to it, took a touch to find himself some room and unleashed a low curling shot into the far bottom corner.
He was creating too, chances for both Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay both of which were blocked.
Then on the half hour it was two and what a finish this time from Fred.
The Brazilian has hardly been brilliant in his four seasons with United.
He has spoken positively this week of his time with the club but there are huge doubts whether United can get where they want to go with him in the midfield with McTominay.
The pair have other ideas and when Liverpool failed to clear their lines again Fred showed he has an eye for goal with a delightful chip over Alisson.
The third followed five minutes later through forgotten man Anthony Martial.
If they could have found any takers for him this summer he would be already gone.
There aren’t any for a forward who has lost his way and ended up on an unsuccessful loan spell in Sevilla in the second half of last season.
Can Ten Hag revive his career?
Well he showed he can still finish with a clipped shot back across Alisson to give United their commanding half-time lead.
Liverpool had hit the woodwork twice through Fabio Carvalho and Luis Diaz but the fact they started with two, maybe three players, who would begin the coming season in the first eleven showed.
Manager Jurgen Klopp made a host of changes at the water break in the first period too, while Ten Hag replaced his whole outfield at half-time with new buy left-back Tyrell Malacia making his United bow.
On the hour more changes came from Klopp including the introduction of new buy Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah who recently delighted the Anfield faithful by signing a new contract.
Nunez would miss a sitter from a rebound after Salah hit the post late on.
The second lot of changes should have swung the balance of power Liverpool’s way.
But it was United who would extend their lead with the pick of the goals as they broke from the top of their own box.
Eric Bailly brought the ball forward and found Facundo Pellistri who exchanged passes with Amad Diallo before rolling a shot in off the post.
A bright start in Bangkok to yet another new era at United.
Facundo Pellistri rounded off a perfect start for Ten HagCredit: GettyJurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag patrolled the touchline throughoutCredit: GettyNew Liverpool signing Darwin Nunez missed a sitter from close range late onCredit: Getty
