A-League All Stars 1-5 Manchester United: 5 Things We Learned

After last weekend's 1-0 loss to the Singha All Stars in Bangkok, there were few positives to reflect on for Manchester United.

But in a raucous ANZ Stadium a week later, it would be impossible to criticise David Moyes' side.

Two goals apiece from Jesse Lingard and Danny Welbeck as well as a late strike from Robin van Persie gave the Red Devils a 5-1 win over the A-League All Stars.

Here are five things we learned from United's second preseason friendly.

Jesse Lingard Catches the Eye

Jesse Lingard had an underwhelming campaign for the United reserve team last season, but on Saturday night, he was a luminary presence.

The attacking midfielder is still a little rough around the edges, but he is an imaginative attacking force who may be able to force his way into David Moyes' thinking for next season.

His goals were sharply taken, while his general buildup play created plenty of chances for others.

In one instance, his flicked pass to Danny Welbeck through a sea of blue shirts made it seem like he has been doing it for years.

He will surely make his first-team debut next term.

Better Tactical Football

In Thailand, United looked a team completely bereft of attacking ideas, banging their head against a brick wall.

In Sydney, they could have scored double figures and no one who saw the game could complain.

The best tactical improvement between the two games was the side's creative penetration through the middle.

The A-League All Stars may not have the sturdiest back line, but they were still carved open by the quick one-touch passing of Ryan Giggs, Danny Welbeck, Wilfried Zaha and Lingard.

Moyes is known as a manager who prefers his team to attack from out wide. This could not have been further from the truth on Saturday.

Danny Welbeck Improves His Finishing

The United player who bore the brunt of criticism in the fallout from last weekend's loss was Danny Welbeck.

The English forward looked panicked in the opposition box, lacking the kind of composure all prolific goalscorers need.

Both his strikes against the A-League All Stars were well-taken and will hopefully deflect some of the ill feeling some in Manchester have towards him.

He still managed to miss two glorious chances during the game, though. In both instances, he rounded the goalkeeper before failing to place his shot beyond a sliding defender.

Moyes will give him chances next season. He will need to improve on his previous campaign's goal tally of two.

Welcome Back, Robin Van Persie

It is a testament to his talent and standing within the Manchester United community that Robin van Persie was named Man of the Match at ANZ Stadium despite playing less than 30 minutes of football in the game.

His goal was typical of the powerful, clinical finishing he is known for.

It will come as a massive relief for David Moyes to finally get to work with the player who was one of the world's best last season.

The Dutchman will lead the United line into battle. With early fixtures against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City on the cards, he will have to be at his goalscoring best.

He has been at Old Trafford for less than a year, but fans of the club trust him to deliver.

Wilfried Zaha Is a Future Star

There were quite a few with raised eyebrows when Manchester United announced the signing of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha in January.

Not anymore. We may only have seen him play trivial friendlies so far, but it is not difficult to tell he is truly something special.

The England international danced and jinxed his way past several defenders during the game. His sense of space is well beyond his age of 20.

With United's wingers having been in terrible form recently, Zaha may see plenty of first-team action next season.

Based on his performances this summer, that can only mean good things.

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