Erik ten Hag continued his winning pre-season record as Manchester United beat Melbourne Victory 4-1 at MCG

 Erik ten Hag continued his winning pre-season record as Manchester United beat Melbourne Victory 4-1 at MCG

United had to put in a lot of effort to win the first leg of their tour through Australia. Chris Ikonomidis provided a clinical counter for Melbourne, giving it a surprise fifth-minute lead.

United turned the game around quickly with Scott McTominay’s deflected equaliser, and Anthony Martial’s second preseason goal within three minutes of each other at the end the first period.

Ten Hag made 10 halftime changes, but United maintained control against a tired Melbourne. United, following Tuesday's 4-0 defeat of Liverpool in Thailand, scored four goals in consecutive pre-season games, thanks to Marcus Rashford scoring his third goal and Edmond Lupancu's late own goal.

Although United was dominant in the first exchanges, they were shocked by Melbourne's first attack. Victor Lindelof missed a pass that released Ben Folami down the right side, and his square pass, perfectly weighted and balanced, was dispatched by Australia's international Ikonomidis first past Tom Heaton.

United's attempts at level play were repeatedly repelled by Melbourne's spirited defensive stand. McTominay had two attempts from cutbacks on his right blocked. Bruno Fernandes was able to draw a fine save from Paul Izzo, after Jadon Sancho's threaded pass played through him on goal.

George Timotheou's spectacular headed clearance kept Sancho from reaching United level. It took a miracle for Ten Hag's side, who managed to restore parity at 43 minutes. McTominay intercepted the ball and unleashed a shot that looped into the Melbourne net thanks to a heavy deflection.

 

United ended a disappointing first period with a win. They took the lead for their first time. Six yards from goal, Diogo Dalot's cross was pushed into Martial's feet by Anthony Elanga. He showed great composure and control to then score his second goal of preseason.

Ten Hag changed his entire field during the interval, but United maintained control thanks to the maturity and flair of Zidane Iqbal, Charlie Savage, and won 12 minutes later when Eric Bailly threaded Rashford through the goal line. The England international prodded United's 3rd past the Izzo.

After Nani's brief appearance on the Melbourne substitutes bench, Tahith was able to add more gloss to the scoreline with his driving run and cross, forcing Lupancu, Melbourne defender, to convert the ball into his own goal.

Man Utd building momentum

Sky Sports' Jack Wilkinson :

It was a decent outing for Erik Ten Hag's Manchester United.

After being shell-shocked by Melbourne’s opening opener, United took their sweet time to regain their rhythm and momentum. However, when they did, United was able to exert concerted pressure upon their hosts who were unable or unwilling to deal with fatigue.

United's second-half recovery was based on their belief in Ten Hag's principles. This latest version of Ten Hag is dominant on the ball, and they are quick to stop any opposition.

The tactical approach was brilliantly executed and suffocated Melbourne, giving United's attacking flair players the time they needed to inflict the destruction they did.

Ten Hag's United will face Sterner tests on their tour of Australia. The Premier League season is yet to begin, but Ten Hag's United has two victories in two preseason fixtures.

A glimpse into Man Utd's future at Melbourne

Sky Sports' Papa Kuranchie:

At the break at MCG Erik ten Hag led 2-1. His 10 half-time adjustments offered fans a longer look at the talented group of Manchester United youth players.

It may have been a less experienced XI, but Zidane IIqbal, Charlie Savage and Tahith Chong ensured that we saw a more controlled United with elegant passing and movement, in contrast to the first, which had a sense of desperation as they hunted the equaliser.

Marcus Rashford won the victory with United's third. The Old Trafford youngsters made sure they had the last word. Chong's superb driving performance was rewarded by Lupancu's cross into his net.

It is a Man Utd team where players work together, support each other and push each other to achieve goals. This is a club where the youth are the shining stars. It's a recipe for success that never stops.

What's next for Man Utd

United will remain in Melbourne for Tuesday’s pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace at 11.10am. Then, United will travel to Perth to take on Aston Villa on July 23rd (10.45am).

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