The Red Devils are looking to bounce back this campaign after a turbulent term that ended in sixth place in the Premier League. And while it’s only the start of pre-season, United got off to the perfect start on Tuesday. Jadon Sancho opened the scoring after just 12 minutes and it was 3-0 in Bangkok before half-time after Fred and Anthony Martial got on the scoresheet. Man Utd then made the changes at half-time, before Liverpool made their second raft of second row substitutes. But it was the Red Devils who had the last laugh, Facundo Pellistri making it 4-0. Ferdinand was a vocal critic of his former club last season, targeting players, managers and owners in a key assessment of the club’s woes. In his final verdict, however, the pundit got an excellent first impression from Dutch coach Ten Haag. “I’ve seen some things we’ve been shouting about for the last few years,” Ferdinand tweeted. “But we’ve seen it sparingly in the past. “Overall.. good morning at the office! I can feel the appearance of the Ten Hag on the touch bar.” United have given minutes to a host of young talents such as Pellistri, Zidane Iqbal and Amad Diallo. But for former Red Devils star Andy Cole, it was Charlie Savage – the son of former player Robbie – who stole the day on that front.
Ferdinand, Cole give rave reviews for Man Utd
“I was impressed with the opportunity the young lad was given and I thought he did really well,” Cole told MUTV of Savage’s performance. “He was playing against Liverpool. I know he did it when it was against the kids, but this is pre-season and it gives you a chance to try and get where you want to go. “I thought he did really well when he came in. “The higher you go in midfield, you have to keep the ball and he did just that today.”
Strong start for Ten Haag
The 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool may be just one step towards the real test for Ten Haag, but it couldn’t have started better. He admitted he found plenty of “faults” in his team’s performance, but the result immediately got the fans on board. And it gives Man Utd momentum for the rest of the pre-season and before the start of the Premier League. Next up for United is Melbourne Victory on Friday, before another Premier League test against Crystal Palace.
