Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has hailed the reaction of his players to falling behind in the early stages of Friday's pre-season friendly with Melbourne Victory.

The home side took the lead in the fifth minute of the clash with the Red Devils, with Christopher Ikonomidis impressively slotting the ball past Tom Heaton.

However, Man United levelled the scores in the 43rd minute when Scott McTominay's deflected effort found the back of the net, before Anthony Martial sent the visitors ahead shortly after.

The 20-time English champions continued to carry the bigger threat in the second half and scored twice more through Marcus Rashford and an own goal to record a 4-1 victory in their second pre-season friendly of the summer.

Ten Hag has praised his players for their reaction to conceding in the early stages, insisting that the Red Devils 'got their reward' in the latter stages of the first half.

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"It was clear that it was going to be a compact opponent, who started really far back waiting for us, and it was difficult for us to create chances," Ten Hag told MUTV.

"Also, when we went down in the first minute, the team reacted really good and especially over the right side we created a lot of really good chances before half-time. We then got our reward with the turnaround."

Ten Hag was also again pleased with the performances of the young players that featured, with Charlie Savage, Zidane Iqbal and Ethan Laird among those to make positive impressions.

"This is why we brought them. I want to make an impression on all the players and they got the chance to show what they are capable of – if they can contribute immediately to Man United or whether or not they need a loan period [and] that could be better," he added.

"There is also other possibilities, but it is good that United has so many talents. They also need improvement and development."

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Ten Hag also said that he has been hugely impressed by Australia since the team's arrival, and the Red Devils have two more matches in the country against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

"It's magnificent, such a big stadium, a huge stadium and the city of Melbourne, you smell the sport culture. They like football in Australia, but other sports too, as it is a real sports-minded city," the Dutchman added.

Man United have now scored eight times in their two pre-season friendlies this summer, having also put four goals past Liverpool in their tour opener on Tuesday.

After taking on Palace and Villa, the Red Devils will head back to Europe for matches against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano ahead of their Premier League opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 7.

Man United announced the signing of Christian Eriksen on Friday afternoon, with the Denmark international becoming the club's second acquisition of the summer after Tyrell Malacia.