5 hints Erik Ten Hag drops in Liverpool clash about plans for Man Utd season
Manchester United fans have every reason to be excited about the upcoming season after catching the first look of the Red Devils under Erik ten Hag.
United brushed aside a young Liverpool squad 4-0 in Thailand on Tuesday afternoon. And while there's still a long way to go until the Premier League season kick-offs, Daily Star Sport is looking at some small hints the Dutchman dropped.
From playing players in new positions to what will drive Ten Hag at Old Trafford, the Dutchman dropped some breadcrumbs in Bangkok. We identified five tactical decisions that could continue thought the season.
READ MORE: Fred 'does a Cantona' as Man Utd ace nets audacious chip against Liverpool
It's all about the results
Ten Hag's first United line-up was littered with first-team stars – the only notable exemption being Cristiano Ronaldo – while Jurgen Klopp opted for the kids.
It was only a pre-season friendly, and Ten Hag didn't have to field the stars, but the Dutchman went out to get a result, while Klopp used the fixture to boost fitness levels.
The action has also squashed any doubt that Ten Hag will be out style instead of substance at Old Trafford.
What did you think of Erik ten Hag's first game in charge? Let us know in the comments section below
Jadon Sancho will be key
United had romped into a three-goal lead by the half-time whistle sounded, and the stand-out star of the show had been Jadon Sancho.
Signed for an eye-watering fee last summer, Sancho struggled to hut the ground running. But with a new arm around his shoulder, and some added confidence, Sancho could be back to his Borussia Dortmund best at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has a history of getting the best out of wingers: look no further than David Neres and Antony.
McFred is here to stay
Red Devils fans bemoaned when they saw the starting lineup, a third manager who looks set to use a double pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred.
But it took them just 45 minutes to flip opinions after Fred looked like the player who bossed Manchester City in the Champions League in 2018. The Brazilian even scored a delicious chip straight from the book of Eric Cantona.
Fred and McTominay could be the go-to partnership for Ten Hag should he miss out on Frenkie de Jong.
Alex Telles at centre-back
It's not as wild as the statement might first sound, after all, who thought Kyle Walker would play a similar role so well.
Telles was brought on at half-time at the centre of a back four – partnering Eric Bailly as new signing Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka slotted in either side of the Portuguese man. Telles had the difficult task of keeping quiet Darwin Nunez.
But the defender was successful in his task, potentially a sign of things to come.
Last chance saloon for Donny van de Beek
Another second-half substitute was Donny van de Beek, and it feels like the Dutchman has one more season to try and make it in England.
Ten Hag looks willing to give him that chance, Van de Beek, after all, has impressed under the Dutchman before at Ajax.
But if Van de Beek wants to make an impact it must be soon, otherwise, the midfielder could be gearing up for yet another campaign sat on the bench.
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