Manchester United v Crystal Palace was the latest in a string of trans-continental pre-season friendlies between English clubs on Tuesday.
The two Premier League sides met at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Manchester United running out 3-1 winners at full-time.
We've got all the key moments of the match for you here - and the story of United fans down under booing captain Harry Maguire.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace: Key events
Anthony Martial gives Manchester United lead
Manchester United opened their tour with a 4-0 win against Liverpool, and followed that up with a similarly dominant 4-1 win over Melbourne Victory.
The divisive Anthony Martial scored in both wins, and he was on the scoresheet again on Tuesday against Crystal Palace. His neat finish from a Diogo Dalot cross gave United the lead after 17 minutes.
🌟 Touch & finish 🌟
Here's how @AnthonyMartial opened the scoring at the @MCG 👇#MUFC || #MUTOUR22— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2022
Manchester United would hold their lead until half-time, with their defense doing well to stifle the attacking threat of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew in the Palace side.
HALF-TIME SCORE: Manchester United 1-0 Crystal Palace
Marcus Rashford doubles lead at start of second half
Much of the talk ahead of pre-season has surrounded the potential linkup of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Anthony Martial up front for Manchester United. With Cristiano Ronaldo heavily linked with a move away from the club, their connection could be crucial for United's attacking play.
The second-half of Tuesday's game brought a good sign for United of how that linkup might work, with some nice passing play leading to a second goal for them through Rashford.
A lovely team move to double our lead 😍
⚽️ @MarcusRashford#MUFC || #MUTOUR22— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2022
Marcus Rashford struggled throughout last season, so a return to form would be welcome for Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.
Jadon Sancho finishes off nice passing move to make it 3-0
There was some more nice link-up play on show in the buildup to Jadon Sancho's goal to make it 3-0 to Manchester United.
A direct ball from Marcus Rashford was flicked on by Martial into Sancho's path and, after a clever delayed finish, he smashed the ball past Palace substitute goalkeeper Remi Matthews to put United three goals up.
Another lightning counterattack made it 3-0 in Melbourne ⚡️🌪
🏴 @Sanchooo10#MUFC || #MUTOUR22— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 19, 2022
Joel Ward bags late consolation for Crystal Palace
There would be a late goal for Crystal Palace. Both sides made a slew of changes in the second half, with Tyrell Malacia the only outfield player to remain on the pitch for Manchester United.
Irishman Killian Phillips had started the game for Palace, and Irish youngsters Tayo Adaramola and Jake O'Brien were brought on during the second half, with O'Brien handed the captain's armband.
It would be veteran Joel Ward, however, who would ultimately grab Palace's consolation goal with 15 minutes to play.
A goal for Crystal Palace
Joel Ward ⚽️🥅#MUNCRY pic.twitter.com/87r3I4udjP— nana b (@attoh_101) July 19, 2022
Harry Maguire wins over booing fans
One of the stories of the game came from the Melbourne crowd's reaction to Manchester United captain Harry Maguire. It is no secret that Maguire has not satisfied large sections of the United fanbase, after a poor season last time out.
Gary Neville was among those to defend Maguire from fan criticism.
Maguire started as captain at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday and, bizarrely, his every touch was booed by the United-dominated crowd in the opening stages.
This has happened before to Maguire, most notably when he played for England at Wembley last season. It is one thing to boo a player if he has played poorly in a competitive game, but to boo the captain of your club in a friendly game played halfway across the world truly beggars belief.
Harry Maguire's every touch of the ball inside the opening five minutes of this friendly has been greeted with a chorus of boos. It's absolutely ridiculous. Cannot help but feel sorry for the lad. #MUFC
— George Smith (@_GeorgeSmith99) July 19, 2022
Maguire shoots just wide and appears on the big screen to a loud cheer. He's actually having a good game, been sharp in possession since early mistake and defended well #mufc
— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) July 19, 2022
Whoppers booing Maguire when he touches the ball. Whoppers.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) July 19, 2022
Australian sports journalist Joey Lynch did note that the boos ceased at the beginning of the second half, perhaps in recognition of the fact that Maguire actually played very well in a solid defensive performance from Manchester United.
No noticeable boos for Harry Maguire's first touch in the second half at the MCG. The fans appear to have either been won over or lost interest in the pursuit. #MUFC #CPFCvMUFC
— Joey Lynch (@joeylynchy) July 19, 2022
Harry Maguire will remain as club captain for the coming season, but manager Erik Ten Hag has warned he will have to fight for his starting place in the team.
He will hope that he does not also have to fight against his own fans.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace: Player of the Match
Manchester United's Anthony Martial will have to produce a big season to prove he has a place at the club but, judging by his pre-season form, he could be capable of delivering the goods. He was again crucial to United's play on Tuesday, not only scoring but linking up well in passing moves with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.
Manchester United v Crystal Palace: Final squads
Manchester United: Starting Lineup
David de Gea; Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire (c), Victor Lindelof, Diogo Dalot; Scott McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes; Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial
Manchester United: Substitutes
Tom Heaton, Matej Kovar; Eric Bailly, Amad, Luke Shaw, Alex Telles, Facundo Pellistri, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Elanga, Ethan Laird, Tahith Chong, Hannibal Mejbri, Will Fish, Charlie Savage, Zidane Iqbal, Alejandro Garnacho,
Crystal Palace: Starting Lineup
Jack Butland; Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Ward, Joachim Andersen, Tyrick Mitchell; Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Luka Milivojevic, Killian Phillips, Malcolm Ebiowei, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew
Crystal Palace: Substitutes
Vicente Guaita, Remi Matthews; Kaden Rodney, Daniel Quick, Jake O'Brien, Cardo Siddik, Tayo Adaramola, Malachi Boateng, Jadan Raymond, David Ozoh, Scott Banks, Odsonne Edouard, Rob Street, Victor Akinwale, Ademola Ola-Adebomi
SEE ALSO: Report: Manchester United Close To Landing Player In Problem Position
