Erik ten Hag is prepared to see more of his Manchester United team against Crystal Palace, who the Dutchman watched beat the Reds on the last game of the season.
It was the end of a brutal campaign, and Ralf Rangnick's reds auditioned in front of Ten Hag, but were unable to conjure anything other than a loss.
Now, into the new manager's third game in charge and United face Patrick Vieira's men yet again.
Ten Hag has been happy with the steps that his squad have taken since he became boss, and believes that it is crucial for them to be ready for the opening match of the season in less than three weeks.
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"I see progression from day to day, and that has to be," Ten Hag explained on MUTV. "Because we have to be ready for the start of the Premier League.
"It's good that today you have a Premier League team (to play against)." He added.
"It's a good team, we got beaten in the last game of the season, so we know we have to be good, we have to do better and (show) a better performance to get the right result." The Dutchman further explained when asked about Palace.
Meanwhile, the in-game substitutes will be slightly different for Ten Hag's men.
There were a wholesale of changes at half-time in games against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory.
However, Ten Hag stresses that his team need to increase their levels steadily as the season approaches.
"Today, a lot of players will make a step to (playing) 60 minutes.
"We construct carefully and the fitness has to build, this is a good opportunity to do that."
With a strong team taking to the field, it would not be so surprising if the team against Brighton in August looked similar to the one that faces Palace.
Yet, the additions of Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez will join the fold, and Ten Hag was full of praise for the pair of them.
"He’s a warrior and I think the fans will admire him. He has an attitude, fighting spirit." The manager spoke on Martinez.
“He brings aggressiveness in the game, in a good way. I think we need that.
“But also, he’s also skilful and he can deal with the ball and he’s left-footed.” He added.
"He’s an experienced player. He plays in countries abroad, in Italy, in Holland, a long time in England, so he knows the Premier League,” Ten Hag explained, this time, speaking on the signing of Eriksen.
“It’s an absolute advantage that we have him in."
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Crystal Palace, Football, Premier League
Cain Smith