Two goals from Aron Gunnarsson and one from Joe Ralls gave Cardiff a comfortable half-time before Etien Velikonja’s first strike for the club rendered Shola Amoebi’s consolation irrelevant and put the pressure on United before their opener against Spurs on Saturday.
Malky Mackay: “We knew it was going to be a tough test, but I was delighted by the attitude and the application of my squad against some very good players.
“I thought we passed the ball well, especially in the first half, and scored some very good goals.”
"We know about the controversy around the red shirts.
“There were 5,000 people here for the launch on Friday and you could sense the feel-good factor around the club.
“I think most of the fan base realise we want to go forward and are with us in that.
“We are probably one of 10 clubs with great expectations on us, especially after the investment and the signing of Craig Bellamy.
“But I have my own targets to where I want the club to go.
Mackay was also happy with the contribution of his new players, adding: “It was great to get Jordon Mutch on the field and some of Velikonja’s movement was excellent.
“Even bringing Joe Lewis on for the last eight minutes or so, we saw him make two fantastic saves.”