Two moments highlight Diogo Dalot change at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag

Considering just how well Manchester United have started their pre-season preparations, you could be forgiven for forgetting that only one new signing is currently with the squad in Australia.

Tyrell Malacia, snapped up from Feyenoord, was the only new face that United manager Erik ten Hag left Manchester Airport with almost a fortnight ago, sparking fears that his first pre-season in the Old Trafford managerial hot-seat might not prove to be as productive as fans had hoped. But although we're only three games into the Ten Hag era, the early signs have been overwhelmingly positive.

Ten Hag has seen his side win their opening three friendlies, score 11 goals, concede just twice and, most importantly, play with hunger and desire. United already have a likeable swagger about them, even if it is important to remain grounded after encounters with a much-changed Liverpool side, a Melbourne Victory side they should be beating, and a largely unrecognisable Crystal Palace outfit.

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But you can guarantee that had United lost those games, or, alternatively, scraped through them, criticism would have been rife. They deserve a sprinkling of praise.

Against Palace at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday, United had a real zip and energy about their play, particularly in the first hour, moving the ball with purpose and turning the screw when in advanced positions. Just as they did against Liverpool and Victory, they flooded bodies forward into the opposition penalty area, highlighting exactly why they have scored 11 goals on the tour so far.

United's second goal against Palace, which was converted by Marcus Rashford, came as a result of