Manchester United’s recent US tour, culminating in a sobering 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, has provided a mixed bag of insights as the club prepares for the 2024-25 season. Ten Hag’s Squad return home with just a single victory against Real Betis, sandwiched between losses to Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.
Despite the disappointing results, manager Erik ten Hag has maintained an air of unity, a stark contrast to the chaotic 2018 tour under Jose Mourinho. Ten Hag has emphasized the new executive structure’s commitment to building a competitive squad, though he’s undoubtedly aware that improving on last season’s eighth-place finish is crucial for his tenure.
The tour highlighted several challenges for Ten Hag’s Squad, particularly in attack. Rasmus Hojlund’s untimely hamstring injury and Joshua Zirkzee’s late arrival due to Euro 2024 duties have left Ten Hag experimenting with makeshift strikers. Jadon Sancho’s unconvincing performances in a central role may lead to Bruno Fernandes reprising his false nine position, especially given impressive showings from Mason Mount and Scott McTominay in the number 10 slot.
Defensively, teenager Harry Amass’s encouraging performance against Mo Salah offers hope amidst left-back concerns. With Tyrell Malacia sidelined for two more months and uncertainty surrounding Luke Shaw’s fitness following the Euros, Amass could see more first-team action. However, Shaw’s return to full health remains crucial for United’s defensive stability.
In goal, Andre Onana showcased his excellent distribution skills, but handling errors persist. A consistent defensive line in front of him could be key to unlocking his full potential and improving United’s overall performance.
Off the pitch, the new leadership team of Sir Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox face the challenge of addressing past recruitment mistakes while navigating financial constraints. High-earning underperformers and the need for defensive reinforcements highlight the complexities of their task. The club must balance the need to offload players like Victor Lindelof and potentially Harry Maguire with bringing in fresh talent, such as a rumored move for Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui at right-back.
The recent injury to new signing Leny Yoro further complicates matters, emphasizing the need for additional reinforcements in central defense. However, United’s tight Profit and Sustainability situation, a result of previous overspending, limits their options in the transfer market.
As Ten Hag’s Squad prepare for their Community Shield clash with Manchester City on August 10, Ten Hag must quickly assess his late-returning internationals while the new executive structure works to avoid past recruitment pitfalls. The coming weeks will be crucial in shaping United’s prospects for the season ahead, with the club hoping to translate preseason lessons into Premier League success.
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