Manchester United have one more game to play before pre-season is wrapped up and Erik ten Hag will be delighted with the latest run-out as his side ended a three-game winless run.
The Dutchman named a full-strength side for the visit of Lens, having unveiled Rasmus Hojlund as the club’s third signing of the summer before the game.
The 90 minutes were far from comfortable for the Reds, with the visitors taking the lead roughly halfway through the first half after a sumptuous effort from the French side.
Lens took the lead into half-time but it did not last long after the interval, with United scoring three goal in just 13 minutes to seal the final result. Speaking after the game, the manager delivered his verdict on the game.
“We make a mistake and then we’re losing,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website.
“[We just had to] keep composed, keep the rule and principles we have in the game, keep the game plan because you saw already, once you win the ball against them, it’s very open.
“Then we have Antony, Rashford, Garnacho – very quick, very direct and all could score a goal. Also from the overload in possession, then you can create chances against this Lens [team], who played very bravely but you have to punish them and I think finally we did.
“Today we scored three goals. I think also already before halft-ime, we had four really good opportunities and we already had to score, but we didn’t. But I think this team is capable to score goals.”
United face one more test before preparations for the Premier League curtain-raiser against Wolves begin, although Ten Hag may have one eye on that fixture already.
Ten Hag’s men will make the trip to face Athletic Club in Dublin on Sunday, with United expected to field a side of inexperienced youth players due to the quick turnaround.
The game could also offer Ten Hag the chance to give some fringe players one last chance to make their claim for a starting place for next week’s game against Wolves.
