Manchester United Preseason Review Part 1
Manchester United have been off to a flying start with 3 wins in their first 3 preseason games. Ten Hag’s Red Devils look fit and the intensity has been high all around the pitch.
Preseason kicked off with a match against Leeds United in Oslo, Norway where United cruised to a 2–0 victory with new signing Mason Mount showing his qualities in his first 45 minutes as a United player. Mount’s high intensity press in the midfield proved difficult for Leeds and he almost got on the scoresheet with a chip that fell just above the crossbar in the first half. Mount continued to impress in his next two showings against Lyon and Arsenal.
The match at MetLife stadium in New Jersey showed how United’s high press and intensity can work in Ten Hag’s system. Bruno Fernandes played his first game as official Team Captain and scored a nice goal from outside the 18 and showed why Ten Hag chose him to lead the Reds this season. Jadon Sancho silenced the haters and twitter “pundits” by scoring a goal against Arsenal with a beautiful strike that beat Aaron Ramsdale high right. Raphael Varane has continued to dispel the rumors that he is not a top tier passing center half. The World Cup winner was able to calming pick out his full backs and play long balls over the top. Overall, United’s defense looks like they are on the same page.
The youth have especially impressed this preseason, clearly adopting Ten Hag’s play style. Especially in the Leeds match, the United youngsters looked confident and were successful at playing out of the back. Young goalkeeper Matěj Kovář (who won the league title on loan at Sparta Prague last season) thoroughly impressed with his confidence on the ball and ability to pick out the short pass to his back line. Noah Emeran and Joe Hugill netted goals for the Reds as they cruised to a decisive victory. Isak Hansen-Aaron also impressed in his home country of Norway. The future looks bright for the United academy.
In my opinion, the biggest takeaway from these first preseason games is the performances by one man (or should I say kid): Kobbie Mainoo. The 18 year old Academy product played like an experienced veteran in the heart of United’s midfield. He dropped back to provide on option for the two centre backs as well as making great runs down the wings that ultimately led to an assist on Bruno’s goal. Mainoo’s strength on the ball and ability to read the game is way beyond his years. It’s clear that he is paying attention and learning from Casemiro. In the Arsenal match, Mainoo outshined $135m man Declan Rice and showed the world that he eats Basmati for breakfast. The future is bright for this young star with Ten Hag looking to keep him a part of his project this season and Mainoo will likely see even more of the pitch as he continues to impress.
It’s no secret that Manchester United are still lacking a few important pieces of the puzzle. With no pure #9 and little depth in the centre back and central defensive midfield areas, United are surely to reinforce their squad as the summer transfer window progresses. With that being said, the first 3 preseason games can only be viewed as an encouraging start to Ten Hag’s second season as manager of Manchester United.
