Eight things we learned from United v Liverpool

The Reds kicked off Tour 2022 with a comprehensive victory over the Merseysiders live on MUTV, with all of the pre-season fixtures being shown live on the channel which is also now available on ManUtd.com and in the United App.

Let us run you through some of the talking points from the triumph at the Rajamangala Stadium, following goals from Jadon Sancho, Fred, Anthony Martial and substitute Facundo Pellistri...

RED-HOT UNITED

Our first look at the new home shirt was certainly a positive one as Ten Hag's XI looked fit, fresh and with something to prove. Three goals without reply in the first half was a testament to the fitness work at Carrington and in Thailand, with a real desire to press from the front. The Liverpool defence struggled under pressure, with Fred and Martial among those hunting hungrily. 

Fred cut out a Nat Phillips pass to help create a chance for Marcus Rashford, while Martial's goal was all his own work, robbing Rhys Williams to run through and lift the ball over Alisson.

"What I can say is we do look very sharp," said Treble-winner and MUTV pundit Andy Cole at half-time. "Playing some really good stuff and closing down really well. Look at Martial's goal, he closed down, won the ball and finished very well. Once he's closed down, he's got to be rewarded by going on to score and he's done that."

SCOTT IN A SCRAP

There is clearly no such thing as a friendly in Scott McTominay's book, especially when Liverpool are providing the opposition. The Scotland international produced some rugged challenges and was up for the fight from the outset.

One crunching aerial challenge on James Milner left the former England midfielder requiring some attention and the veteran avenged the tackle with a blatant block on the United man soon afterwards. You had the feeling Scott would not have had it any other way and he will have enjoyed the first-half scrap.

FANTASTIC FINISHING

Sancho took his chance expertly, firing home with his right foot from the left-hand side and he looked sharp, showcasing his skills. Fred's strike was one you can never tire of seeing, beating his Brazil team-mate Alisson with a touch of class. The third, from Martial, was the Frenchman at his best, displaying great composure to lift over the Liverpool keeper, when in a one-on-one situation. He does have some history with the Merseysiders, after all.

DASHING DE GEA

David De Gea was off his line sweeping up confidently on occasion, and was quickly in action, making a near-post save with his feet that has become one of his trademarks. The keeper looked assured in possession, and kept a clean sheet during his time on the field, as the only Red to stay on for the start of the second half. The only worry was when he appeared to sustain a problem after coming to the edge of the box and turning sharply to ensure he kept the ball in the area. Tom Heaton took his place but we'll hope the Spaniard will be fine to feature against Melbourne Victory on Friday.

TELLES AT CENTRE-BACK

We might see Ten Hag experimenting with players in unfamiliar roles and the first of these was Alex Telles slotting in at the heart of the defence after the interval. Whether that was probably down to personnel, with skipper Harry Maguire unavailable due to a knock, is another matter but it showed some versatility from the South American. The left-back slot in the second half went to new boy Tyrell Malacia, who made a couple of eye-catching early interventions, including chopping the ball on a run that was appreciated by the crowd.

ACADEMY INFLUENCE

Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage patrolled the midfield in the second period and performed with confidence and quality. The pair have grown up together and more than held their own in some esteemed company when the Emirates FA Cup holders introduced their big guns. Savage kept the ball tidily, helping to screen the defence, while Iqbal's balance and movement impressed. MUTV's Ben Thornley commented that Roy Keane would have loved playing with Savage as the Welshman protects the ball so well and rarely gives it away.

ALL-ACTION BAILLY

Eric Bailly was outstanding as the Reds held Jurgen Klopp's men at bay, showing athleticism and aggression and a determination to defend. His run for the fourth goal meant his colleagues were brave to ignore his shouts to put the finishing touch to the move, with Pellistri instead profiting from Amad's assist! That goal owed so much to the centre-back's drive and he later showed his commitment by heading away Trent Alexander-Arnold's powerful free-kick, and requiring treatment as a result.

ON TO AUSTRALIA

The United fans present inside the stadium will never forget this first-hand witnessing of their favourites overcoming Liverpool in such a manner. The was a vibrancy about the play that is encouraging, and a team ethic with everybody working for each other and clearly determined to impress the new boss. Of course, nobody will be getting carried away, particularly as both sides used it as an exercise to get minutes in the legs, but there must be an anticipation to see how things develop throughout Tour 2022. It is on to Melbourne next, with more challenges to come. The Erik ten Hag era is up and running.

HOW TO WATCH UNITED ON TOUR 

Don't miss any of the Reds' pre-season matches on Tour 2022. Visit MUTV now for more details.