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Excitement is building for Friday's friendly

Nobody is getting carried away after Manchester United's 4-0 win over Liverpool in Bangkok but it has certainly whetted the appetite for more live Reds action.

It may not have seemed like a long break since the final Premier League encounter at Crystal Palace in May but the new era under Erik ten Hag is off and running and, thankfully, the next instalment is already on the horizon.

On Friday (11:05 BST kick-off), United face Melbourne Victory in the first of our Australian fixtures, with the game live on MUTV, the United App and ManUtd.com.

UTD V MELBOURNE VICTORY

Watch live in the App

There were obviously encouraging signs from the four-goal win in Thailand, with the pressing, positivity and clinical finishing features of our play. Ten Hag noted mistakes and areas for improvement afterwards, in his club media interview, but fans will be hoping for more of the same when it comes to the game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in front of a bumper crowd.

Even though the manager rotated his entire outfield players against Liverpool, there are still some tour members who are seeking their first involvement. Captain Harry Maguire missed the clash with a knock, while others, such as Ethan Laird, Hannibal and Alejandro Garnacho may be in the boss's thoughts as they are waiting in the wings.

It was heartening to see the way Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal performed in midfield against some stellar names in the second half, and pre-season games often offer an opportunity to Academy talent.

We had a first sighting of new recruit Tyrell Malacia in a red shirt and some of the work going forward from Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho promised much for the 2022/23 campaign.

Martial's goal, our third, was all his own work and the French forward will be aiming to maintain this level of performance as Tour 2022 continues. Eric Bailly's all-action display in the second half was another major talking point among fans.

Melbourne Victory, meanwhile, have been buoyed by the arrival of former Red Nani, who has admitted he is keen to play some part in Friday's fixture, after signing for the A-League outfit.

Full 90 | United v Liverpoolvideo

HOW TO WATCH UNITED V MELBOURNE VICTORY

MUTV is the only place to watch Friday’s match in Australia LIVE, with coverage starting an hour ahead of the 11:05 kick-off*.

MUTV, United App and ManUtd.com viewers will also have access to the short and extended match highlights before anyone else, as well as the full match replay. So what are you waiting for? Visit MUTV now.

*MUTV live coverage not available in Australia due to domestic broadcast rights.

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