Bruno Fernandes praises Man Utd trio after Crystal Palace win

Manchester United have enjoyed a perfect start to pre-season, winning three out of three as they prepare for their final game in Australia against Aston Villa.

The latest victory against Crystal Palace was arguably the most convincing of the bunch, with all three of Erik ten Hag’s forwards scoring in a comprehensive 65-minute job.

Changes ensued just after the hour mark but Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial have struck up quite the understanding between themselves on tour and Bruno Fernandes, United’s midfield maestro, has become the latest figure to praise the trio.

Ten Hag has implemented a ferocious pressing style high up the pitch since he took over and that has been an aspect that has left supporters impressed, with Fernandes also insisting that Sancho, Rashford and Martial are key to that tactic.

“We have been much more aggressive now and the three guys up front have been much more aggressive in the way they press and they are strong too,” Fernandes is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.

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“They make the last line squeeze and it makes the midfielders come a little bit higher, it makes it so, when we recover the ball, we are being closer to the ball too.

“We are much fresher to do that, and we have freedom when we recover the ball, because we get to teams and, when they recover, they are really wide. There is loads of space in the middle and, as you said, we are much better on the ball too.”

SN’s verdict…
Martial, in particular, has surprised supporters with his work rate on tour and it’s definitely something we could get used to. It’s a side to the Frenchman we haven’t seen since he joined seven years ago and Ten Hag will be delighted to get that out of him.

The only concern is whether he can keep it up for an entire season or if he loses interest along the way. That’s also a reason why United cannot afford to let Ronaldo leave without signing a replacement.

All three of United’s forwards have a point to prove this season and it’s encouraging to see that everyone has taken Ten Hag’s instructions on board – something Ralf Rangnick miserably failed with.

More Stories Anthony Martial Bruno Fernandes Erik ten Hag Jadon Sancho Manchester United Marcus Rashford Premier League