Anthony Martial and Fred among unlikely first scorers of Erik ten Hag’s reign as Manchester United thrash Liverpool in pre-season friendly

There were unlikely heroes during Manchester United’s pre-season clash with Liverpool which saw the Red Devils run out surprise 4-0 winners.

Forgotten man Anthony Martial netted Man United’s third with a delicious finish over the onrushing Alisson. In contrast, Liverpool’s big-money signing Darwin Nunez had a shot from just over six yards out flash over the bar.

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Martial looked electric in Bangkok

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Erik ten Hag’s first match in charge couldn’t have gone much better for him

Jadon Sancho got the ball rolling for Man United as he slotted home a loose ball on 12 minutes.

Fred made it 2-0 as he expertly lobbed fellow Brazilian Alisson with a delightful chip from the edge of the box.

After Martial made it 3-0 on 33 minutes it was game over but the Red Devils put some gloss on the scoreline with academy star Facundo Pellistri adding another on 77 minutes.

In contrast, Nunez, who joined the Reds in what could be a club-record £85million deal earlier this summer, blazed the ball over the bar after Mohamed Salah’s shot came back off the post with goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Ten Hag said after the match: “I know we have good players, now we have to construct a team. I’m happy with the first game.

“It will take lots of time [to get this team playing my way]. I have seen a lot of mistakes today. Let’s be honest, Liverpool plays in three teams, they were not at their strongest.

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It’s just a friendly but the manner of victory against the calibre of opposition for Man United will turn heads

“We must not overestimate this result, but still I have seen some really good things. We have a lot of creativity and speed up front. Like I said, we have potential.”