I have watched all of the pre-season games and I agree that the full squad had a good work out and many individuals managed to demonstrate their talent, fitness and ability to play in Ten Hags system, against quality opposition. The Wrexham game was more of an exhibition with the under 23's.
My observations are that many of the issues from last season are still evident in this pre-season. The lack of a striker means that in the final third, there is a lack of cohesion. That focal point that the rest of the team aims towards, is missing, and moves often break down when the ideas dry up. In last nights game, Luke Shaw played a lovely ball into the six yard box and nobody attacked it. Nobody was within ten yards of it. Any forward with an eye for goal would be lapping those opportunities up. But I'm not going to get het up about what we already know. What we did learn was the vital stuff we need to focus on before the Wolves game. And I will concede that with Hojlund up top, we will be a different proposition.
The results didn't really matter, as the number of players used in each of the games made the spectacle more of a competitive training session, but with the crowd and the quality opposition, it was an enjoyable test.
Good points.
Onana looks different class, he was taking balls off the defenders and playing through the lines, he even set Bruno up with a one on one with the opposition goal keeper. He plays it first touch, to feet. He is constantly talking to the defence, marshalling and organising. He will make a huge difference this season.
The one touch passing has been impressive, and some passages of play have been excellent. We controlled the procession in the majority of the games. (Albeit with little threat up top)
Nobody in the squad can argue that they didn't get their chance to show the manager what they can do, and I think that Mainoo, Pelistri, Hannibal, Brandon William's, Heaton and Jonny Evans all gave good accounts of themselves.
Dalot seems to be back to the form he had pre-world cup. Was excellent last night.
Shaw and Wan Bissaka playing much further forward, with Onana in goal. Creating overloads in the opposition half.
Antony tracking back and winning the ball.
Stuff that needs more work
Sancho as a false 9. Worked against Arsenal, but his anticipation or runs into space are always too late. He needs be on his bike before the pass is made, not waiting for the pass and then being dispossessed.
The link up play with Bruno and Mason Mount. It's not really there. I think they are still trying to find that understanding. The fact that they both play in the same position means that one has to go forward and one has to drop off and they both looked more effective when they were on their own and not on the pitch at the same time. This will need time, and they only had brief cameos.
Rashford looks rusty. His first touch is way off. I was actually panicking that he was going to do his hamstring last night, because he looked laboured and was pushing himself when the fitness wasn't there.
Casemiro looks overweight and slow. Not up to his standards. We know he needs a run of games to get his form.
Lindlelof and Wan Bissaka gave away goals trying to play out from the back. We know it is a big part of Ten Hag's philiosophy, but they both took the more difficult passes when there was an easier option, and led to Dortmund finding themselves with a run on our goal. Need to address this before the season starts. Trying to thread balls through the middle of the pitch, when there were easier options.
Maguire needs to go. He isn't the required standard, even as a back up option. Playing out from the back is slow, predictable, safe and nervy. He cannot play in Ten Hag's system. To play in the system, you need to want the ball, to pass and move, and to always look for the forward option. When Maguire sees a player closing him down, he panics and goes backwards or sideways. He slows us down.
Donny Van De Beek. It's not happening for him. Whatever it was that he once had, he hasn't found it here. He doesn't even look comfortable playing the one touch stuff that was his DNA during his entire career at Ajax. Which is a head scratcher. He needs to move on now and re-establish his career.
