Manchester United made it back-to-back wins under Erik ten Hag with a 4-1 win against Melbroune Victory. Goals from Scott McTominay, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Edmond Lupancu secured victory at MCG.
They had to come back from an early shock after Chris Ikonomidis gave the hosts a fifth-minute lead, but Ten Hag's side went on to dominate possession, with McTominay equalising with a deflected effort two minutes before half-time.
Martial then struck from close-range in first half stoppage time to give United the lead at the break.
Rashford made it 3-1 in the 78th-minute and Lupancu turned into his own net in added time.
Victory followed the 4-0 win against Liverpool in Bangkok on Monday.
GettyMartial FC
Martial is playing his way into Ten Hag’s plans after two goals in as many games in pre-season.
The France forward’s future is still not clear as United’s new manager oversees a major clear-out at Old Trafford – but his performances against Liverpool and Melbourne this week will do his chances no harm.
Ten Hag always planned on giving the 26-year-old the chance to impress this summer – and so far he is taking that opportunity.
Most notable has been his attitude and work-rate. His chasing down of Liverpool’s defenders was a key factor in United’s 4-0 win in Bangkok on Monday – as well as a fine finish – and against Melbourne he was constantly on the move, looking for space in and around a packed penalty area.
His strike just before half time was coolly executed to give Man Utd a 2-1 lead at the break.
With Cristiano Ronaldo declaring his intention to leave – even if Man Utd are adamant he is not for sale – Ten Hag has been forced to look at alternative options.
He has already missed out on leading strike target Darwin Nunez, while the club are nearly £20m short of Ajax’s asking price for Antony.
Martial could be the biggest beneficiary of the uncertainty up front and seize the chance to revive his career.
AdvertisementGettySancho grows in influence
This was another game when Jadon Sancho took the opportunity to show off his quality.
Ten Hag seems set on playing him on the right – and that is where United’s best moments came from in the first half.
His ability to open up the game by beating a man or two is something Man Utd lack – and in one first half moment his turn of pace through the middle completely split Melbourne, who defended deep and in numbers.
After the upheaval of his first season at Old Trafford, Man Utd could see the best of him in a more settled environment.
GettyNew role for Maguire
It was notable that Harry Maguire was deployed on the right side of defence, rather than the left.
That is a more natural role for the England international, given that he’s right-footed – but his versatility has generally seen him accommodate others.
With United set to complete the signing of left-sided centre back Lisandro Martinez, Maguire could have more opportunities to play on his stronger side.
What that says about Ten Hag’s plans for Raphael Varane is not clear, given he has already confirmed Maguire will retain the captaincy.
New position or not, the skipper will not have been happy about the ease with which he was beaten by Ikonomidis for Melbourne’s opener.
Patience is key
Melbourne’s defensive tactics are something Man Utd will have to get used to.
Breaking down deep-lying defences has been a long-standing issue for Man Utd dating back to Louis van Gaal’s time in charge.
With Ten Hag planning of deploying a possession-based game, it will only encourage opponents to get bodies behind the ball. But it has been notable in his first two games in charge how high United have pressed to win the ball back in dangerous positions.
Too often in recent years they have been too passive in those situations, but they will also need to show more invention against packed defences, rather than forced errors, if they are to consistently find a way through.