Preseason is a time for boundless optimism amongst fans, always tempered by the fact that is, only, preseason. Yet after a tricky time of things in recent years, Manchester United fans will be finding it hard to rein in their hopes for next season after they trounced Liverpool 4-0 on Wednesday.
The match kicked off at 2pm BST and took place in Bangkok, Thailand, in the Rajamangala Stadium as both teams had their first run out of the preseason. Liverpool had started their preparations a week after United and it showed, as just 12 minutes in Jadon Sancho opened the scoring.
#Amistoso ?? Empezó ganando el #ManchesterUnited: #Sancho la agarró suelta en el área y puso el 1-0 vs #Liverpool.#ESPNenStarPlus -> https://t.co/L8Czc7WzGZ pic.twitter.com/w2R3pznioF
— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) July 12, 2022
Fred then appeared on the edge of the box to score an audacious chip, looping his effort over Alisson on the half-hour mark.
#Amistoso ¡Golazo del Manchester United! La pelota no se iba de la puerta del área y apareció Fred para pincharla y poner el 2-0 vs Liverpool.#ESPNenStarPlus -> https://t.co/L8Czc8eb5z pic.twitter.com/5eYzyCXZS2
— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) July 12, 2022
Most seem to be assuming that Antony Martial will move on from Manchester United sooner or later, but just minutes after Fred’s goal reminded fans why they spent so much money on him in the first place.
The press ?
The finish ??Love this from you, @AnthonyMartial ?#MUFC || #MUTOUR22
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 12, 2022
The cherry on top was added by Uruguayan youngster Facundo Pellistri, who exchanged passes with Amad Diallo before stroking his finish home 76 minutes in.
#Amistoso ¡Llegó el gol uruguayo! Pellistri firmó la red de Liverpool y puso el 4-0 de Manchester United. #ESPNenStarPlus pic.twitter.com/cMDFBXHtip
— ESPN Argentina (@ESPNArgentina) July 12, 2022
Liverpool did have their moments and chances, but couldn’t find a way past David de Gea. From their point of view, Fabio Carvalho’s opening minutes for the club were the highlight.
Naturally the sample size is minute, but for United fans who have been suffering, this sort of performance can only confirm the idea that new manager Erik ten Hag will be a breath of fresh air at the club.
