Manchester United start Erik ten Hag era with 4-0 win over Liverpool

This was a first pre-season match for Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp’s players were half-baked and sluggish in front of goal, where United excelled in a 4-0 win

EARLY PROMISE: Anthony Martial (left) of Manchester United celebrates with his teammates after scoring their third goal against Liverpool during the first half of a preseason friendly match at Rajamangala National Stadium. Pic: Pakawich Damrongkiattisak/Getty Images

If evolution is the realistic endgame in the early phase of Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United project, a whopping 3-0 half-time lead against Liverpool in Bangkok meant the feel was closer to revolution in this opening game of the Dutchman’s tenure.

It is not of course. And will not prove to be unless Ten Hag possesses the type of managerial magic Jürgen Klopp – who changed his 10 outfield players every half an hour – and Pep Guardiola possess. This was also a first pre-season match for Liverpool, and the German’s players were half-baked and sluggish in front of goal, where United excelled in a 4-0 win.