melbourne victory vs man united

Melbourne Victory 1-4 Manchester United: Erik ten Hag claims second pre-season win

Free highlights and report as Man Utd make it two wins from two under Erik ten Hag; Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford on target at MCG as United come back from early Chris Ikonomidis strike.

melbourne victory vs man united

Erik ten Hag maintained his winning start to pre-season as Manchester United came from behind to beat Melbourne Victory 4-1 at the MCG.

United were made to work for victory in the first leg of their tour of Australia, with Chris Ikonomidis rounding off a clinical counter to hand Melbourne a shock fifth-minute lead.

Man Utd two from two after Melbourne scare

United's attempts to draw level were consistently repelled by a spirited defensive stand from Melbourne. McTominay saw two efforts from cutbacks on the right blocked, before Bruno Fernandes drew a fine first save from goalkeeper Paul Izzo after being played through on goal by Jadon Sancho's threaded pass.

George Timotheou's stunning headed clearance prevented Sancho from hauling United level and it required a strike of luck for Ten Hag's side to restore parity on 43 minutes, with McTominay intercepting the ball and then unleashing a shot which looped into the Melbourne net courtesy of a heavy deflection.

United ensured a frustrating first period ended on a high as they took the lead for the first time. Anthony Elanga cushioned Diogo Dalot's cross into the feet of Martial six yards from goal, and he showed great composure to control and then dispatch his second goal of pre-season.

Ten Hag changed his entire outfield during the interval but, thanks to the flare and maturity of youngsters Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage, United retained control of the contest and victory was secured 12 minutes from time when Eric Bailly threaded Rashford through on goal, and the England international prodded United's third past the on-rushing Izzo.

Man Utd building momentum

Shell-shocked by Melbourne's early opener, United took their time to regain rhythm and momentum but when they did, they were able to apply concerted pressure on their hosts, who were unable to cope as fatigue set in.

Key to United's first-half comeback was their faith in Ten Hag's principles, with this latest incarnation dominant on the ball and quick to stifle the threat of the opposition on the counter.

Brilliantly executed, the tactical approach suffocated Melbourne and gave United's attacking flair players time on the ball to inflict the damage they did.

Sterner tests await Ten Hag's United on this tour of Australia, and in the Premier League season to come, but with two victories from two pre-season fixtures, momentum is building.

A glimpse at Man Utd's future in Melbourne

Leading 2-1 at the break at the MCG, Erik ten Hag's 10 half-time changes offered supporters a more prolonged look at the talented crop of players breaking out of the Manchester United youth set-up.

What's next for Man Utd?

United remain in Melbourne for Tuesday's pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace (11.10am), before travelling to Perth to face Aston Villa on July 23 (10.45am).