Even though the new season has yet to commence, I find myself already brimming with excitement over one particular player. This player’s ability to control the tempo of our game, even under the most intense pressure, is nothing short of remarkable. Witnessing his performance in our recent match has cemented my belief in his potential. Jadon Sancho has revealed that there’s a Manchester United teammate who has reignited his passion for playing with the Reds, further highlighting this player’s influence.
Manchester United’s pre-season tour took them to Scotland, where they squared off against Rangers at Murrayfield Stadium. After a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg earlier in the week, the team was determined to deliver a more energetic performance as they geared up for the 2024/25 season. The narrow defeat had clearly left the team with a desire to bounce back stronger and prove their mettle.
Manager Erik ten Hag selected Andre Onana as the goalkeeper, with a defensive line consisting of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, newcomer Leny Yoro, Jonny Evans, and Sam Murray. The midfield trio featured Casemiro, Toby Collyer, and Mason Mount. Leading the attack was Ethan Wheatley, flanked by Jadon Sancho and Amad Diallo. This strategic lineup was part of Ten Hag’s plan to secure a decisive victory. Here are three key takeaways from Manchester United’s 2-0 triumph over Rangers.
### Yoro Shines Bright
The anticipation surrounding United’s latest signing, Leny Yoro, was palpable, and he did not disappoint. The French defender seamlessly integrated into the backline alongside Jonny Evans, displaying a level of skill and composure that belied his youth. Early in the first half, Yoro delivered a stunning diagonal pass to Sam Murray, drawing cheers from the crowd. Shortly after, he executed a crucial last-ditch tackle to prevent Rangers from taking the lead. Despite a mix-up with Evans that led to a Rangers player breaking through, Yoro’s swift recovery and shot block saved the day.
One standout aspect of Yoro’s game was his composure and skill with the ball. His passing was precise and confident, even under pressure, consistently finding a United teammate. He was pivotal in helping United build from the back. Additionally, Yoro’s communication on the pitch was evident; he frequently directed his teammates and ensured they were in the right positions. His movement during attacking set-pieces will be invaluable for United throughout the season.
Yoro’s performance not only highlighted his defensive capabilities but also showcased his potential as a playmaker from the back. His ability to remain calm under pressure and make accurate passes helped United maintain possession and build attacks from the back, setting a solid foundation for the team’s overall strategy.
### Amad Diallo’s Prominent Role
Amad Diallo emerged as Manchester United’s primary offensive threat against Rangers. The Ivorian winger was dynamic, keeping the Rangers defense on their toes with his unpredictable play. Alternating between cutting inside and going wide, Amad’s movements troubled his markers throughout the match. He linked up well with Wan-Bissaka and academy graduate Ethan Wheatley, creating several promising opportunities. Six minutes before halftime, Amad broke the deadlock. Receiving a pass from Mason Mount, he expertly cut inside and slotted the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot.
Amad seems to have carried over his form from the end of last season. His impressive performance against Rangers suggests that he should play a significant role in Ten Hag’s plans for the 2024/25 campaign. Last season, Amad spent much of his time on the bench, but moving forward, he should be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Amad’s performance was a testament to his growth and development as a player. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities will be crucial for United’s attacking play this season. If he continues to perform at this level, Amad could become one of the standout players in the squad, driving the team’s success.
### Room for Improvement
United’s performance dipped slightly in the second half as Ten Hag made extensive personnel changes, substituting ten outfield players and leaving only Onana from the starting lineup. The second-half team was composed mainly of young players. Despite this, United managed to extend their lead through Joe Hugill, who finished emphatically after being set up by Maxi Oyedele.
While the team’s display at Murrayfield was an improvement over the Rosenborg match, it’s clear that there is still work to be done before the squad is fully prepared for the season. United need to focus on enhancing their fitness levels, and performances will naturally improve as more first-team players return for pre-season training.
This match highlighted the potential within United’s squad, but also underscored the need for continued development and cohesion. The young players showed promise, but the team as a whole must work on building their stamina and integrating the returning first-team players into the system to ensure a strong start to the season.