Erik ten Hag managed to evoke a sense of ‘vintage Manchester United’ football within just 53 minutes, a feat that fans are thoroughly enjoying.
Continuing their pre-season preparations, the Red Devils secured a 3-1 triumph over Lens on Sunday.
Despite a shaky beginning to Andre Onana’s Old Trafford debut – as he was caught off-guard and subsequently lobbed from 40 yards by Florian Sotoca – United orchestrated a comeback in the second half.
Marcus Rashford swiftly equalized just three minutes into the restart, paving the way for goals from Antony and Casemiro that sealed the victory.
However, it was the lead-up to Antony’s goal that has garnered significant attention among fans.
Supporters have drawn comparisons between the counter-attacking play and the iconic style associated with Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure, fondly referring to it as reminiscent of ‘vintage Manchester United’ football.
You can watch Antony’s goal below.
𝙰𝚁𝚃 pic.twitter.com/VrneOrU8BB
— Red Marrow (@RedMarrow_) August 5, 2023
Bruno Fernandes started the move, playing a first time pass from the edge of the penalty area into Rashford, who laid the ball on to Alejandro Garnacho with a neat touch.
The Argentine burst down the left wing before releasing Antony in on goal who tucked it home with aplomb.
Fans were quick to react to the goal on social media, with one tweeting: “If someone said to me that this was a clip from 07/08 season I’d probably believe you.”
Another added: “Everything was inch perfect here. Winning the ball, quickly playing it to Rash who lays it off to Garnacho and off he goes. Had it not been pre-season, might have been one of my favourite Ten Hag goals.”
A third wrote: “Ten Hag Ball! Beautiful goal”, while a fourth exclaimed: “I could watch this all day.”
“Garnacho was built for united counter attack ball”, a final fan added.
It would seem that it has come together at just the right time for Ten Hag, with just over a week left until they host Wolves in their opening game of the Premier League season.
Speaking on his side’s performance after the game, Ten Hag told MUTV: “When we win the ball against them [Lens], it’s very open. We have Antony, Rashford, Garnacho, fast and direct players.
“When you step up the game, you can create chances. Lens are a good team, but we had to punish them and we did it.”