Manchester United 22/23 Pre-season | Key Takeaways & What to Expect?

Manchester United played 6 games in 2022/23 pre-season under new manager Erik ten Hag. United won 3 times, drew twice and lost once. Now the Red Devils kick off their campaign in the Premier League against Brighton And Hove Albion on Saturday.

Manchester United pre-season — Image Obtained via Sports Illustrated

Games Played:

Manchester United kicked off their pre-season campaign with a resounding thumping of rivals Liverpool. The Red Devils put four unanswered goals past Jurgen Klopp’s men at the Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand. Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Fred and Facundo Pellistri were among the goals.

The Red Devils played their second friendly in Australia. Goals from Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Martial and an own goal helped United score a comeback win against Melbourne Victory.

United played another Premier League opponent at the Melbourne Cricket Ground just 4 days later. The impressive attacking trio of Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho got on the scoresheet to overcome Crystal Palace 3-1. The game marked United’s third straight victory, and arguably their most cohesive performance in pre-season.

Most goals scored in Manchester United's pre-season:

⚽️⚽️⚽️ Anthony Martial
⚽️⚽️⚽️ Jadon Sancho
⚽️⚽️ Marcus Rashford

A late change of plan needed for Ten Hag. 💭 https://t.co/tvt2qHp1i3

— Squawka (@Squawka) August 4, 2022

Jadon Sancho was on the scoresheet once again at the Optus Stadium in Perth. However, former Arsenal defender Callum Chambers’ last-gasp equaliser allowed Aston Villa to snatch away a 2-2 draw. The result got even worse against Atletico Madrid. Joao Felix evaded the United defence to give Diego Simeone’s men a late goal and a narrow win.

The very next day, United took on another Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford. Ten Hag named a young team as the Red Devils ended the game with a 1-1 draw. The game result was overshadowed by the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has been in a stand-off with the club for over a month after asking to leave. Ronaldo played 45 minutes against Vallecano.

Manchester United: Key Performers In Pre-season

Manchester United saw some quality performances from players all across the field during the pre-season. Erik ten Hag will take heart from the efforts put in by his men while achieving match fitness. The Dutchman will greatly benefit if United can carry the same form into the Premier League. Here are a few standout players from pre-season.

1. Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial returned from a disappointing loan stint with Sevilla. But the Frenchman has seamlessly stepped into the “9” role, ahead of two wingers and a play-maker. Martial has demonstrated a great understanding of Ten Hag’s expectations from his striker.

The 26-year-old has dropped between the lines effectively, displayed predatory instincts in front of goal, and worked tirelessly off the ball. Martial has 3 goals to show for his efforts.

2. Jadon Sancho

Like Martial, Jadon Sancho endured a difficult 2022-23 season. The Englishman struggled for form and consistency, as he registered just 5 goals and 3 assists across all competitions (stats via transfermarkt).

Erik ten Hag has used the Englishman down the left, allowing the former Dortmund winger to drift inwards. This has been complemented by an overlapping left-back to maintain width. Ten Hag could look to maximise the potential from this combination as the season progresses.

3. Fred

The Dutchman has used Fred in the single pivot role this pre-season. Fred has demonstrated good understanding and discipline in the position so far. The Brazilian has acted as an effective progressive and passing outlet in possession. His energy and proactiveness off the ball are also crucial to United’s high-pressing system.

New Signings Tracker

Tyrell Malacia had a very impressive pre-season. Ten Hag rotated between the Dutchman and Luke Shaw for the left-back position. Malacia has been a constant menace down the flank. In possession, his pace and willingness to drive forward have provided United with more options in attack. Malacia has looked solid defensively too. Luke Shaw, United’s starting left-back in recent years, has also put in an impressive string of displays. The Dutch manager has a good headache in deciding his primary left-back for the season.

Lisandro Martinez played 60 minutes against Rayo Vallecano. The Argentinian international put in a disciplined performance alongside Raphael Varane. Martinez can also play as a left-back or in the midfield. However, he is expected to start in central defence. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, and Raphael Varane are all competing for a spot at centre-back too.

Christian Eriksen also got a few minutes, albeit against Atletico Madrid. The Danish playmaker came on as a second-half substitute. In just 21 minutes of playing time, Eriksen provided a good account of his talent and ability.

Manager Performance

Although it was just pre-season, Erik ten Hag gave us a glimpse of what we can expect from his tenure at Old Trafford. The Dutch manager seems to have quickly imprinted his style of football onto his players.

Ten Hag has managed to build a cohesive unit where players are aware of their roles and responsibilities. United have played some attractive football with eye-catching high pressing too. Ten Hag requires full support from his players and the board to achieve success, and it is crucial that he is given the players he wants in his system.

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Work Still Left to be Done

While Manchester United showed positive signs in pre-season, the Red Devils still have room for improvement. However, a lot of these improvements require changes and activity in the transfer window first.

Manchester United are still in the hunt for a striker. The Frenkie de Jong saga has also stretched for a little too long. The Red Devils need to procure their key targets as soon as possible to give Ten Hag all the options he requires.

At the same time, United are also struggling to move out players that do not suit Ten Hag’s system. Alex Telles has just joined Sevilla on a loan deal. However, Eric Bailly, Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are still hunting for clubs.

The Red Devils should look to arrange transfers for these players as quickly as possible so that the club can clear space and wages for new signings, and trim the squad to an optimum size.

What are your thoughts on United’s pre-season? Which player impressed you the most? What are your expectations for the 2022-23 season? Let us know in the comments.

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