Manchester United have a new identity under Erik ten Hag

United appear to have an identity again

One of the few guarantees in appointing Erik ten Hag was Manchester United would play, or at least attempt to play, progressive and watchable football. Over their four matches in Thailand and Australia, United favoured a proactive possession-based style, perfected during the attack-versus-defence training drills Ten Hag has introduced where the forwards have to beat the buzzer to score.

United have not been not reliant on the counter-attacking tactic that embellished Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign and their patient play was evident against Melbourne Victory. United trailed 1-0 as half-time loomed, yet they went into the interval 2-1 up through two admittedly fortuitous goals that were made possible by a weighted attacking approach.

The highlight of the tour, performance-wise, was the 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace in Melbourne when Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho finished virtuoso team goals. David de Gea started the attack for the former and although he had a patchy tour, he has shown signs of adapting to Ten Hag's approach. De Gea emerged from his area three times in the 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool and that never happened last season.

Also read: Ten Hag criticises players and reveals what he told them in dressing room

Fred was likely to thrive under Ten Hag and the Brazilian has been dubbed the "connector" by his new manager. Fred has always had potential as the conduit between defence and attack and is now operating under a bolder and better coach. Frenkie de Jong is the intended connector in Ten Hag's United but Fred would be his natural foil.

Ten Hag is taking chances with the defence

Few would have expected United to sign a centre-back and then start the season with Harry Maguire