Manchester United played out a goalless draw against fierce rivals Leeds United in their first pre-season friendly this summer, at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden on Saturday.
There were chances, especially in the second-half, but the Red Devils failed to capitalise, a running theme from the previous campaign.
There were a few promising signs, especially from summer signing Matheus Cunha, who impressed with his dribbling, close control and tenacity.
Another new signing Diego Leon also showed a few bright touches, but the game was largely disappointing from a United fan’s perspective.
Lack of control
Rasmus Hojlund, who played the entire second half, was as bad as last season, which is why the Portuguese tactician is desperate for a new striker.
Rather disappointingly, academy graduate Toby Collyer looked almost invisible in the first half, as did Bendito Mantato in the second.
But the biggest issue was the fact that Leeds controlled most of the ball, and rather comfortably as well.
They ended the game with more possession, more passes and a higher passing accuracy as compared to the 20-time English league champions.
That was largely due to their control in midfield, something Ruben Amorim’s men lacked.
The combination of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes looked all over the place, and they were always in a hurry to play a through ball or a lofted pass, instead of trying to hold the ball.
Midfield combination not working
That is their natural game, which makes the duo ill-suited to starting games once the season actually begins. On top of that, the Brazilian is not getting any younger, and the high tempo of the Premier League will be too much for him week-in and week-out.
Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo fared slightly better, but the Uruguayan is not the most adept when it comes to ball progression from deep, while the head coach does not think the Englishman is suitable to play as the deep-lying playmaker in his system.
Finding the perfect midfield combination will be key for Amorim, and on current evidence, he might need INEOS to bring someone in. Ideally, he needs someone who can blend silk with steel in the No.6 position, and can play alongside the club captain.
Douglas Luiz fits the bill, owing to his Premier League-pedigree as well as his availability on loan. Let us see what happens between now and the end of the summer window.
Feature image Linnea Rheborg via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
