Manchester United fans love what Eric Bailly did before Facundo Pellistri goal vs Liverpool
Eric Bailly #EricBailly
Manchester United enjoyed a brilliant start to their pre-season preparations, hammering Liverpool 4-0 in their first game under Erik ten Hag at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.
The Reds, who shipped nine goals to Liverpool in the Premier League last season, found themselves 3-0 up by half-time, courtesy of well-taken goals from Jadon Sancho, Fred and Anthony Martial. In line with pre-season tradition, Ten Hag made a raft of changes at half-time, changing his whole team except for goalkeeper David de Gea.
It meant United’s second half-line up featured a cluster of fringe players and youngsters looking to impress the new manager. Liverpool, on the other hand, had a much more familiar look to them after the break, with the likes of Andy Robertson, Thiago, Fabinho and Mohamed Salah all coming off the bench.
READ MORE: Follow all the reaction to United’s win over Liverpool
Although United didn’t have the same zip and energy about them as they did in the first-half, they did add a fourth goal to their tally in the final 15 minutes, with youngster Facundo Pellistri tapping home from close range. The Uruguayan connected with Amad’s cut-back and he made no mistake to stroke the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian, who had earlier come on to replace Alisson.
But although it was Pellistri who grabbed the goal, it was the movement and involvement of Eric Bailly that was the most impressive aspect of the goal. The Ivorian picked the ball up deep inside his own half, danced his way past Thiago, slipped the ball wide to Pellistri, while continuing his run, and ran the full length of the pitch before being within touching distance of getting a goal himself.
Instead, Pellistri ensured he got his tucked the ball away after Amad’s pass, but Bailly’s role in the goal was exceptional. Unsurprisingly, it gained an immediate reaction on social media.
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