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Man United were well-beaten by Real Madrid in pre-season, but what did we learn from the 2-0 defeat?
Manchester United tested themselves against one of the finest club sides in the world yesterday. Erik ten Hag’s side went up against a Real Madrid team who have been playing at an elite level for years.
In the end, the difference in quality showed. United were a little off the pace while Real Madrid played pretty good. That proved to be the deciding factor between the two, swinging the pendulum in Los Blancos’ favour.
In his post-match presser, Ten Hag admitted that his side were not at the races. He has to wear some of that burden, as flying off to San Diego to manage the young reds take on Wrexham will have hampered preparation for this one.
These pre-season games are more about building up the fitness levels rather than the actual result. Thankfully, United did do just that. They continue working towards the serious stuff starting next month.
Anyway, what did we learn from this encounter between two of the biggest clubs in the world?
Bruno Fernandes is not a right-winger
This experiment has happened from time to time. But it just does not work. Fernandes is far more ineffective coming in off the wing and I’m not quite sure why the gaffer keeps persisting with it.
Bruno is a player who needs to get on the ball and make things happen. He has far fewer touches out on the right and that seriously hampers his play. It also meant Mason Mount was played in a more offensive role, and he wasn’t as effective, either.
Andre Onana is going to be game-changing
I love this man already. His starting position is so much higher than that of is predecessor, while there’s a real command of his penalty area which does offer more confidence to the defenders in front of him.
Onana completed his passes out from the back which is exactly why he was signed. He also made a top save to deny Vinicius Jr.
United desperately need a striker
It’s the glaring need within the squad. Marcus Rashford is better as a winger, particularly in these big matches. Anthony Martial cannot be relied upon and it’s obvious to see why Ten Hag is pushing so hard to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
I’d like to think a deal will be done sooner rather than later, with United looking to get the Dane in during pre-season, in order for the striker to become accustomed to life in a new league.
The Reds still lack that strength in depth
We saw it again yesterday. Once United’s starters go out, the drop off in quality is alarming. Out wide, up top and in midfield. The bench play just isn’t good enough. The Reds are good in some areas like defence and full-back, though aside from that, I’d be worried about an injury crisis happening.
I love Christian Eriksen, though he struggles against the hard working sides. Scott McTominay is far too erratic, while I’m still not sure what Jadon Sancho is going to offer. These are just a few of the names that do not seem up to scratch on a regular basis.
There’s still plenty of work to be done
This is still a process that’s in the early stages. We have to remember that. The positivity of last season can allow our minds to wander a little too far forward, though Ten Hag’s job as manager has only just started when we really think about it.
There’s still obvious inconsistencies and all the holes in the squad will not be filled this season.
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