Manchester United’s preseason tour to the US was didn’t go according to plan, did it? The unavailability of quite a few first-team players due to the rest period afforded to them after the World Cup meant quite a few young players were given a chance. But the results were far from what the fans would have asked for.
As the final whistle blew at the Allianz Arena, United’s preseason preparations finally ended. Their next game is against Leicester City on Friday, their opening Premier League fixture.
Here, I try to decipher three conclusions from Manchester United’s preseason tour.
#3 Transfer business has been dire
While the signings of Diogo Dalot and Fred were announced quite early in the summer, United’s activity in the transfer market has been quite dormant. Since then, only Lee Grant has signed from Stoke City, and his first-team playing time is likely to be quite limited.
It is certain that the manager requires more signings to bolster his squad, and United’s incompetency in finalising the deals might hit them during the forthcoming season. Ed Woodward and company have been unsuccessful in signing a defender and a winger, two positions that need strengthening.
For someone expected to bridge the 19-point gap between United and Manchester City, Mourinho’s dissatisfaction over the transfer business is certainly understandable.
#2 Martial and Sanchez: Two contrasting tales
While Alexis Sanchez enjoyed a summer break free of international duty after a few years, Anthony Martial was dropped from the French national team for the World Cup. Les Blues eventually ended up as World Champions and Martial missed out on a World Cup medal, something that would have particularly annoyed him.
Accordingly, it is becoming apparent that Martial is not keen on staying and fighting for his place in the first team, as he left preseason midway to attend the birth of his child. He then missed the whole of the preseason preparations, a big opportunity missed as he was touted to start the first game of the season against Leicester.
On the other hand, Sanchez made the best use of his time off, and visibly looks fresh and raring to go on the field. Despite being let down sometimes by his teammates, Sanchez’s infectious energy and revived goal-scoring touch means that it is a positive sign for both Mourinho and the team in general.
Also read: 3 Manchester United Academy Products Who Can Break Into The First Team This Season
The Chilean scored a goal apiece against AC Milan and Real Madrid in the friendly matches, and the United faithful hope that this is just the beginning of things to come this season.
#1 Andreas Pereira: United’s new signing?
Pereira might have had joined United in 2012, but he has never been able to permanently cement his spot in the starting XI. During the last two seasons, he was out on loan at La Liga, playing for Granada and Valencia respectively.
There has been a significant improvement in his style of play, as Pereira has looked commanding from deeper positions and has displayed the tendency to control the tempo of the game. He is being trained to play in the number 6 position for United, as his tendency to break play with crunching tackles, and his distribution of the ball is commendable.
Pereira’s passing range is exemplary, as he can pick out passes from cramped situations pretty well. He has a certain flair and the technical ability in his game that is unique in the current United setup, and he could provide Mourinho with another quality option to choose from in midfield.
Six years after having joined the club, Pereira’s strong preseason performances mean that he looks set to start his first ever Premier League game this Friday.
