Rio Ferdinand sends message to Erik ten Hag after Manchester United trounce Liverpool

On Tuesday, Manchester United defeated Liverpool 4-0 in their first preseason friendly under Erik ten Hag.

Following Manchester United’s 4-0 triumph over Liverpool in their preseason opener in Bangkok, Rio Ferdinand stated the club did things they had been “calling out” for.

The Reds got their pre-season campaign off to a good start, earning a smashing victory in new manager Erik ten Hag’s first game in command. Jadon Sancho, Fred, and Anthony Martial all scored in the first half to put United up 3-0 before the break.

Despite making wholesale changes at halftime, with only goalkeeper David de Gea remaining on the field, United expanded their lead after the break, scoring the fourth goal through replacement Facundo Pellistri. Ten Hag’s team did not have the same zip and excitement as in the first half, but they put on a professional performance.

Liverpool started with a mixed team in the first half before bringing on some of their key players in the second half, including Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Fabinho, and Mohamed Salah. Darwin Nunez, a new addition, also came off the bench.

Although the outcome was insignificant in the larger scheme of things, it was an excellent start to the Reds’ pre-season, and Ten Hag will be hoping for more of the same in the coming weeks. And it was a promising start for former center-back Ferdinand.

“Seen a couple things we’ve been crying out for the last few years,” Ferdinand stated on Twitter. But we’ve only seen it a few times previously. Overall, a wonderful day at the workplace! On the touchline, I’m getting the Ten Hag look.”

“Of course, we are satisfied today because I think it was a team with tremendous energy, and we know we have just begun,” Ten Hag said of the performance and victory. We did the press, made a few pressing blunders, and gave up some chances, but we also produced a lot.

“I believe our team was daring and proactive. We’ll have to work hard to correct our flaws, but we’re pleased with the first game.”