So yesterday was a day for a little sunshine and smile for Manchester United fans. For the first time in a long while they could actually watch their team look like they can compete against an elite team.
The Ten Hag led team took Liverpool to the cleaners in a warm up match in Bangkok and ended up with the first trophy they've touched in six years (how have the mighty fallen). Well, this article isn't about the result or the trophy. It is about the facts as noted during the match.
First and foremost there was the enthusiasm, energy, and hustle and bustle that usually comes with the arrival of a new coach. Most of the players seemed extra motivated to give their best in a bid to convince the coach that they're good enough. Don't be fooled Ten Hag, remember what they did with Rangknick against Crystal Palace (and yes, Fred scored in that match as well).
The pressing was electric and effective especially in the first half, which led to goals. There was the eagerness to close down the opposition with high energy on display. But the we don't know if they would've been able to sustain that energy for the duration of the match, or they would've faded away like they usually do.
That was a general view. For the specifics
LIMITED FRED AND SCOTT
Fred and McTominay are just too limited for this team. The team started the match with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Fred and McTominay as the double pivot in front of the back four. Normally their duty would be to screen the defense and build possible attacks.
But all I saw were just two people who were either clueless of their individual duties or just didn't know how to carry it out. Fred was just his usual all energy and little substance while all McTominay seems to know is just dive into uncalcuted tackles and give passes to his fullbacks.
All the creative job was then left to Fernandez while Liverpool's youngsters occasionally picked out avoidable loopholes and channels in midfield that exposed the defense badly. Youngster Zidane Iqbal did a much better job in the second half.
Boy looks like a younger version of Nemanja Matic, bustling with energy and intelligent with his positioning and ball play. One of the most important attributes of a holding midfielder is being able to pick out the right pass to break the opposition's first line of defense. Apart from Iqbal, no one seemed to know how to do it.
But this team can't rely on Iqbal in such a critical position for a whole season. Van de Beek on the other hand looks too fragile and short of confidence. My advice would be to get two good central midfielders, dash McTominay to Nottingham Forest, make Fred a Carabao cup player, and hope Van de Beek regains confidence while Iqbal goes on loan to get regular game time.
SPACIOUS SHAW
Why does Shaw like playing too narrow and leaving acres of space on the far side for the opposition to thrive? It happened numerous times yesterday and it was so annoying. I understand if you're tracking a player and he drags you infield, but when you're constantly on your own in your penalty area with a wide attacker left all alone on the far side, what are you defending? Last season we conceded numerous goals from that left hand side because both Maguire and Shaw are always clueless and lost when it comes to positioning.
It's a good thing that Malacia look up to the task yesterday. The boy seems strong, fearless and explosive, with a tricky feet. To be sincere Shaw hasn't been anything like spectacular since he joined Man Utd, he's just been "good" at best, and you can't win trophies with just 'good' players. He's just another average overrated English player, whom the media deceived Utd into buying. As for Alex Telles, he should be sold if the right offer comes in.
BALLING BAILLY
When fit, I don't see why Maguire plays ahead of Bailly. Bailly is a beast, he's audacious, bold, fearless, intelligent (barring the occasional stupid tackles), and fast. I look at this guy and I see a little of Vidić in him. His reading of the game is impeccable and his calmness under pressure is a joy to watch.
He might not have the distribution of Lindelof or Maguire, but the primary duty of a defender is to defend and he's better than those two anytime anyday. Keep him fit and pair him with Varane, and see how our defense improves.
FINDING HIS HALLER
Eric Ten Hag needs to find his Sebastián Haller. I saw a team yesterday that had a lot of avenue down the wide areas but there was no physical presence in the box to be finishing it off. Anthony Martial who was playing as the centre forward was more comfortable joining the buildup play than being a fox-in-the-box. He's a good player on his day but he just isn't the centre forward to give you 20goals a season.
Take Bruno out and Sancho was the best of the front 4 yesterday. He was lively, looked reborn and was popping up all over the pitch trying to get involved as much as possible. It's good that he crowned it with a fantastic finish, that will help boost his confidence.
Rashford still looks way off his best. He needs to dust of as soon as possible or the likes of Pellistri and Diallo might just steal in ahead of him. But I'd advice they get a new right wing forward to bolster the team and provide competition. Send Elanga and either of Diallo or Pellistri out on loan to aid their development.
Let's I forget, Tom Heaton seems to have a better distribution than David De Gea, and let's not forget that he's a fantastic shot stopper as well. David better watch his back.
FINALÉ
Finally as much as that was a promising performance from the team against a top competitor, let's not forget that this is just pre-season and Manchester United. Don't get your hopes up too high, we've seen this movie before, though I sincerely hope this time is different.
This team still needs massive reinforcements both to improve its quality and to provide squad depth. Untill then, ETH still has a lot of work to do to make this team a force.
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