Manchester United emerged victorious in their first match of the pre-season tour of the USA, beating West Ham 2-1 in New Jersey.
Here are three things we learned from the game.
Left centre back might be a problem until Martinez returns
With Lisandro Martinez carrying a long-term injury, United’s options at left centre back are Luke Shaw, who himself has struggled a lot with injury, Ayden Heaven or a right footer.
It was said toward the end of last season that Heaven’s impressive performances had persuaded INEOS they did not need to dip into the transfer market for that position. Fans were drooling at the prospect of seeing more of the 18 year old this season, with some even suggesting that he should be first choice at LCB, at least until Martinez returns.
However, there were a couple of shaky moments against Leeds in Stockholm last week and more again today. There were some concentration lapses, including the one that allowed Jarrod Bowen to breeze past him and smash it into the net for West Ham’s goal.
Amorim may feel his best three CBs are De Ligt, Yoro and Maguire, but Maguire’s lack of pace means De Ligt would have to play RCB and Yoro LCB – not the ideal position for either. Shaw is another option, but Amorim will be hoping that Heaven’s lapses are a blip and not the sign of things to come.
Ugarte can dominate and offer the midfield energy that Casemiro lacks
Amorim bemoaned the lack of pace in his midfield against Leeds and that was addressed – and then some, tonight with a superb display of pace and power from Ugarte and Mainoo. If Ugarte can perform like he did today then he could solve a big worry for United and provide Bruno Fernandes – or Mainoo – with a superb defensive midfield partner.
United are starting to look like an Amorim team
For the first 50 minutes or so, United looked for the first time to play the way the head coach has been asking them to. They pressed high up the pitch, played with lots of energy, strength and physicality, got lots of bodies into the box and played with flair and creativity. Hojlund hit the bar, Amad scored a superb effort that was ruled out for offside and Fernandes missed a sitter, so on another day they could have been 4-0 up.
The soft underbelly showed itself again when Bowen was allowed to power through and the substitute XI struggled, but nonetheless, we saw Amorim’s personality and a real identity coursing through the team for the best part of an hour.
Featured image Vincent Carchietta via Getty Images
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
