Manchester United will look completely different under the Dutch coach – as his first game in charge so thrillingly underlined

Erik ten Hag has already stamped his authority on Manchester United, with the new manager’s vision evident after just one game in charge. A 4-0 friendly win against Liverpool in Bangkok counts for little in terms of the result – even if the man described inside Old Trafford as “The new Sheriff” and the “The Conductor” has sparked a surge of optimism among fans with his spectacular start.

But it was the insights it offered into his early work that could be more telling.

Ten Hag has had little time to get to know his players – and is operating with a squad that will change significantly by the start of the season, with United working on deals for Frenkie de Jong, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.

But his intensive training-ground approach is already having an impact, with players noting the detailed instructions they have been given and routines set up to ensure his high-pressing, possession-based tactics become second nature.

In just 90 minutes against an, albeit, much-changed Liverpool team, there was ample evidence of what the Dutchman wants to bring to Old Trafford...