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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Eric Bailly takes top billing after brilliant Manchester United display vs Liverpool

Eric Bailly has been named Man of the Match from Manchester United's 4-0 victory over Liverpool by supporters.

United got their pre-season preparations off to a brilliant start on Tuesday as they hammered their fierce foes in Thailand, with Erik ten Hag's reign in charge of the club getting underway in style. There was some disparity in the starting XIs, as United named a full-strength side whereas Jurgen Klopp experimented, so that should temper any over-excitement from Reds.

Regardless, it remains a confidence-boosting victory after a slow start to the summer transfer window, especially as there were some good performances from players whose futures at the club are in doubt.

Also read: United player ratings vs Liverpool

One of those was Anthony Martial who, back at the club and leading the line, scored the third goal of the game with a composed finish past Alisson. A Jadon Sancho strike and an excellent chip from Fred had already put United two goals to the good.

Ten Hag made 10 changes at the break - one saw the introduction of Bailly, another player who could leave this summer, who went on to put in a great display. It was his lung-busting run from defence that launched a devastating counter-attack for the third goal. He sprinted forward, passed the ball to fellow countryman Amad and continued his run into the box but, instead, the winger teed up Facundo Pellistri to slot home.

Aside from that contribution, Bailly was also solid at the back and was basically playing for two with makeshift centre-back partner Alex Telles struggling in the role. It was Bailly who helped ensure United kept a clean sheet.

M.E.N. Sport readers have recognised Bailly's display and named him as their Man of the Match in our poll, with 38 per cent of voters in our poll giving the centre-back the honour. He narrowly defeated Jadon Sancho, who earned 34pc after his great performance on the right. Anthony Martial (10pc), Fred (10pc), Zidane Iqbal (6pc) and Charlie Savage (3pc) rounded out the voting.

Bailly earned a rating of 8 in our player ratings, with chief United writer Samuel Luckhurst saying: "Bailed out teammates more than once as United came under pressure and sparked the counter-attack for their fourth goal."

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