Manchester United are set to play their final pre-season friendly against AC Milan on Saturday and have so far had a very good pre-season tour – winning all their matches with several young players getting an opportunity to shine.
While it is only pre-season, there is a sense of optimism at the club, perhaps that is to do with young blood in the squad as well as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s training and approach to games. Following five pre-season games, let’s take a look at 3 things we have learned from Manchester United’s pre-season so far:
Always on the front foot
Solskjaer has employed a 4-2-3-1/4-4-1-1 formation throughout pre-season, which has seemed to work so far. One change in the approach since last year’s pre-season has been the depth of the backline as well as the midfield as they have moved up the pitch.
The two central midfielders have been pushed higher up, to make passes/dribble into attack, while the attacking midfielder – which has either been Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, or Andreas Pereira, has been given the freedom to roam and link with the wide players or drop deep; no rigid system here unlike the previous manager at Old Trafford.
The most noticeable change – which was in evidence briefly during the second half of last season – is the pressing and desire to win the ball back when they lose it, all across the pitch. There seems to be more energy and work-rate to go up and down the pitch, and the players seem to have better fitness as well, which was a criticism levelled at United’s players last season.
Scott McTominay could be a key player
Manchester United’s academy product Scott McTominay has slowly risen in the pecking order at the club over the last two seasons, and the 2019-20 season could be his most important season yet. The Scottish international could very well be the successor to Ander Herrera in the United team, thanks to his energy, work-rate, and infectious determination in midfield.
The 6’4″ midfielder has been impressive in midfield in pre-season, especially when paired alongside Paul Pogba, and has come out of his shell, moving into attacking areas when given the opportunity. Even if Manchester United do sign a midfielder like Bruno Fernandes, McTominay could play a key role in the team as a box-to-box midfielder, or paired alongside two other midfielders in a midfield three.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s £45 million price tag seems to be a steal
Manchester United have so far made two signings – Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James, both of whom have impressed in pre-season. Wan-Bissaka, in particular, has been very good for Manchester United and has not been overawed playing for a club like Manchester United, and has settled in quickly.
The right-back has shown great energy in bombing up and down the pitch, while he also showed very good defensive ability. It’s too early to tell, but, by the looks of it, Manchester United’s decision to pay £45 million for a highly-rated, 21-year-old player seems like a steal in the current market.
