Manchester United's pre-season tour has gone much better than most fans expected.
Four matches, three wins, one draw, thirteen goals scored and just four conceded - Erik ten Hag could not have asked for a much better start to life as his side look to build momentum heading into the new Premier League season. Despite a 93rd-minute Calum Chambers header denying the Reds four wins in a row as they drew 2-2 with Aston Villa, their performances matter far more than the results.
There have been some great individual displays from Ten Hag's players with Jadon Sancho scoring three goals, all against Premier League opposition. However, while many had hoped to see Sancho flourish in his second season at the club, there have also been some surprise star performers on United's pre-season tour.
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1. Charlie Savage
Ten Hag has shown faith in the 19-year-old as he has handed him minutes in three of United's four pre-season games. The young midfielder has repaid the trust shown in him and has performed with a maturity beyond his years in a midfield pivot that has made fans question both Fred and Scott McTominay's roles in the side.
Although a loan for the youngster might be the best thing for his career at this moment in time, his role at United this season will certainly be given far more thought since his authoritative displays in the middle of the park. Savage's only senior appearance for United so far came in December last year against Young Boys.
He has an air of confidence about him following his time with the club's Under-23s and has taken advantage of every minute he's had in a United shirt on tour so far. Yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Reds, he will be hoping to go one step further than his father did during his time at the club - his pre-season performances have certainly warranted it.
2. Zidane Iqbal
Iqbal is another United academy graduate that has impressed while on tour with the club. He is also only 19 and made his debut for United during the same Champions League match as Savage.
Always showing for the ball in the middle of the park, the youngster has thrown himself into every game during pre-season with a level of enthusiasm and energy that some of the senior players could learn from. Heads started to turn when the dynamic pairing of both Savage and Iqbal teamed up in the midfield during United's 4-0 demolition of bitter rivals Liverpool.
He has already made two appearances for the Iraq national side and shows wisdom beyond his years with the ball at his feet. His pre-season performances have had fans licking their lips over his potential.
3. Anthony Martial
It does feel odd to be mentioning Martial alongside both Savage and Iqbal, but that is by no means an insult to the Frenchman. Having lost his way during a torrid loan spell at Sevilla where he only managed to score one goal, the former Monaco man looks to have found some magic during pre-season.
Ten Hag has been determined to give the 26-year-old a chance to redeem himself and prove to the world why he deserves to stay at Old Trafford. Martial has grabbed the chance with both hands and has scored three goals during a scintillating pre-season that might have potentially solved Ten Hag's Cristiano Ronaldo problem.
The front three of Marcus Rashford and Sancho alongside Martial is something that appears to be translating from 'good on paper' to good on the pitch. The trio have linked up superbly so far during their time on tour and if they can continue this run of form, they will be giving Premier League defenders some sleepless nights.
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