5 things we learned as Man United beat Liverpool 4-0 in pre-season

Man United stuck four past Liverpool in pre-season, while we fans learned a fair bit over the course of 90 minutes.

Well, the 4-0 result was certainly an excellent start for Manchester United Football Club, while it’s always nice to beat Liverpool under any circumstance.

The Old Trafford club coped well in the blistering heat, pressing from the front, setting a positive tone and looking to play on the front foot. If this is a sign of things to come, we’re in for a good time under the Dutchman.

Obviously, it’s mostly about remaining grounded after such a positive result. Ten Hag has already stressed that there was plenty to be improved upon from the performance, though we did learn a fair bit over the duration of the game – so let’s get right into it.

Ten Hag is hands-on


It was super refreshing to see Ten Hag standing on the sidelines, coaching his players and making in-game tactical tweaks.

The Dutchman wasn’t afraid to shout orders at his players and change things up on the spot. That’s completely different to how both Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer used to coach. And I very much enjoyed it.

Anthony Martial still has something to offer

I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve been Martial’s biggest critic over the last few years. I was also questioning whether he’d adapt to this high-pressing system.

Well, Martial led from the front in this one. He put in the effort from minute one, held the ball up nicely and took his goal with aplomb. Hopefully, the Frenchman can continue in this manner.

Iqbal and Savage have bright futures

These two were undoubtedly the stars of the second half. With United looking light in midfield, we were always going to see some young players get their opportunities – and both these guys looked right at home in midfield against Fabinho and Naby Keita.

Their passing was precise, their attitude exemplary and they were always willing to receive the ball in tight situations. It’s now pretty easy to see why Ten Hag placed such trust in both these teenagers.

Signing another keeper is a must

The second-half injury to David de Gea makes us all acutely aware of why the club need to go out there and replace Dean Henderson in some capacity.

Several players have been linked with filling that position, while we’re not expecting to bring in someone as good as Hendo. Just someone who can play in between the sticks if our Spanish number one is out for a semi-lengthy period of time.

We mustn’t get ahead of ourselves

This is just pre-season after all. While it’s always superb to beat Liverpool, this game means absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things.

It was nice to see the lads putting in the effort, build up the fitness levels and start to adapt to a new way of playing – though this is just the start and we have an awfully-long way to go.

Want more? Read our player ratings from Man United’s 4-0 victory over Liverpool.

Do you think Erik ten Hag will be a roaring success at Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

About Jordan Street 18924 Articles
Mancunian. Red through and through. Season Ticket holder block E332.

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