Manchester United's pre-season campaign went from strength to strength on Friday as they comfortably defeated Melbourne Victory 4-1 at the MCG.
The Red Devils made an impressive start to their tour by beating Liverpool 4-0 in Bangkok on Tuesday and it was more of the same against their A-League opponents. Goals from Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford - as well as an own goal - completed a fine comeback after Chris Ikonomidis scored the opener for Melbourne.
United have four more friendlies against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano scheduled before their Premier League campaign starts next month. Here are the main talking points from United's win against Melbourne.
Victory stun United
Despite winning comfortably, United made a nightmare start to the game. Melbourne opened the scoring inside five minutes through forward Ikonomidis, who confidently slotted in a low cross from former Ipswich Town winger Ben Folami.
It was a soft goal to concede, in truth. The Australian outfit took advantage of Erik ten Hag's pressing style of play by getting in behind the defence with ease. The gap between Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof was too big, proving Ten Hag still has plenty of work to do.
United's slow start
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After conceding early on, Ten Hag would've been hoping for an immediate response... but he didn't get one. United dominated possession but were sloppy and struggled to break down the defence. It was clear more conviction was needed in the final third.
Yet they grew into the game. Jadon Sancho provided the first moment of magic from a United player, dancing past several players before setting up Bruno Fernandes. Although the Portuguese ace failed to find the net, it was clear the tide was starting to turn.
Third time lucky
United's best attacking threat during the first half was, surprisingly, McTominay. The midfielder worked tirelessly to support their attacks and went close twice early on as his first effort was deflected wide and his second was stopped by goalkeeper Paul Izzo.
McTominay eventually got his goal - and the equaliser - just before half-time. The Scotland international picked up a loose ball near the edge of the box and released an ambitious effort. Thankfully for Ten Hag's side, it deflected off a defender and looped into the net.
Dangerous Dalot
One of United's biggest problems last season was their lack of shape, an issue Ten Hag is starting to resolve. Sancho and Fernandes had more clarity in their roles - allowing them to be more creative - yet it was Diogo Dalot who really impressed on Friday.
The Portuguese defender constantly supported attacks, putting in a troubling low cross for Martial to tap home United's second goal. Dalot was brought off at half-time when Ten Hag made 10 substitutions, but he'll be happy with his performance at the MCG.
Solid day at the office
It was a slow start to the second half with little opportunities at either end during the opening 25 minutes. Melbourne rarely threatened and United managed to control the game, even though several youngsters were introduced at the break.
The nerviest moment came shortly after the 70th minute when Eric Bailly miss-kicked the ball in his own box. Tom Heaton, who completed the 90 minutes, was alive to the danger.
Bailly made up for his mistake moments later when he stepped into midfield and played a brilliant through ball into Rashford. The England international didn't waste United's best opportunity of the second half and slotted his strike into the back of the net.
The Red Devils got a fourth goal just before full-time - with Tahith Chong forcing Edmond Lupancu into an own goal - and there was even time for a late cameo from United cult hero Nani. The former Portugal international, now 35, joined Melbourne earlier this month.
Ten Hag will be pleased with his team's performance. It wasn't the most exciting game, but they were disciplined and offered few reminders of the Ralf Rangnick reign. After a terrible season, United are getting used to that winning feeling once again.
