Bruno impressed by Erik's intensity

Every pre-season game - starting with United v Liverpool (14:00 BST today) - will be shown live on MUTV, now available in our app and on ManUtd.com.

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is keen to convey how intense Erik ten Hag’s training sessions have been so far during pre-season.

Fernandes was among the second cohort of players to return, after taking part in international action during June, so he has a week’s experience with our new manager under his belt already.

Our no.8 – Bruno switched from his old squad number last week – has noted how physically testing the sessions have been to date, especially in a hot and humid Bangkok.

That is, of course, the objective though as preparation for 2022/23 ramps up.

“No, it’s been pretty intense,” Bruno told us from the team hotel. “He likes intense training, reactions when you lose the ball. He likes everyone to run.

“He’s been really good. Everyone is enjoying [it], obviously. Everyone gets really tired at the end of the training but that’s what we have to do.

“We have to be like that at the end of the training, but then you know the training was really good.

“As I said, we have to do the hard work because, if we do it now, then we will be fit for the beginning of the season.

“We all know the first games of the season are strange, but we want to be the ones that will be winning.

“We have to do the maximum that we can and what the coach and all the staff ask us to do.”

The first of United’s six pre-season friendlies takes place at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok today (Tuesday), as we play old rivals Liverpool in front of a fervent crowd.

Although the main aim of the game is to continue getting fitness in the legs as we build towards the new season, Bruno is keen to hit the ground running by securing the win and putting what Ten Hag has been instructing them into practice.

“We know what that kind of game means to our fans,” he added.

“Obviously, this is the first game of pre-season but anywhere you want to win, and you want to win these kind of games too, even if it’s a friendly match.

“As I said many times, we can never have a friendly match. As much as it doesn’t count for points or going through some stages, at the same point, we want to win the game.

“Obviously, we want to get the shape and start to do what the coach asks of us.”

HOW TO WATCH UNITED V LIVERPOOL

Tuesday's match in Thailand will be broadcast live on MUTV (not available in Thailand due to host broadcaster restrictions), which is now available in the United App and on ManUtd.com. Coverage starts at 13:00 BST, so make sure you tune in then for all the pre-match coverage, including reaction to the first-ever Reds line-up selected by Erik ten Hag.

MUTV viewers will also have access to the short and extended match highlights before anyone else, as well as the full match replay. 

Visit MUTV now to ensure you're fully signed up ahead of the game.