The Reds fielded a makeshift back-four for the visit of Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, and there was certainly potential for a banana-skin.
It never looked like happening, though. Even after a cagey opening few minutes, United always looked in total control, something they owe to the effortless class embedded in the spine of their team.
Erik ten Hag made it his mission to add creativity and composure in the summer months, and that approach is paying off.
While there was certainly room for United to make a mistake, there was simply no way for it to happen given the clinical professionalism of their most experienced players. At the heart of a makeshift defence, Raphael Varane stood strong, barking out orders to auxiliary centre-back partner Luke Shaw and second-choice full-backs in Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Denne historien er fra December 29, 2022-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
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Denne historien er fra December 29, 2022-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Bru masterclass after another 90 minutes
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Bevan reserves praise for team after heroic show
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Family 'killed in strike'
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WHAT LIES BENEATH...
URBAN EXPLORERS UNCOVER THE HISTORY INSIDE SOME OF THE CITY'S SPECTACULAR HIDDEN SEWERS AND DRAINS
Jailed surgeon putting families 'through hell'
DISGRACED MEDIC ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTING TO DELAY INQUESTS INTO DEATHS
Road rage terror captured on film
VIDEO footage has revealed the shocking moment a road rage incident unfolded near a Tesco Extra in Tameside.
LUXURY 'PARTY FLAT' IS HALTED
SKYSCRAPER APARTMENT A MAGNET FOR LOUD MUSIC AND DRUG TAKING
Club's 120 years of making history
CITY VENUE HAS INSPIRED AND TOUCHED GENERATIONS