17 Jul 2019 14:28:36
Plenty to be pleased with that performance albeit a preseason friendly. Chong and Gomes link up brilliantly. If Chong hits the weights a bit he will be some player in the Prem.
Pogba, Wan Bissaka, Rashford, Greenwood, McTominay all class in the 1st half. Perreira, Chong and Gomes stood out 2nd half for me.
If we're going to play the high press, high tempo game then I can't see a place in the team for Matic. Understandably his job is to break up opposition play but he is far too slow for this kind of set up. Hopefully Fred can come back in and do a job, he was the one midfielder last season who looked for a forward pass.
Without getting carried away, there are positive signs from the lads who've come into the squad.

{Ed004's Note - I think the plan going by team selections and who are reported targets are is for Maguire to partner Lindelof. With a midfield 2 of McTominay and Pogba ahead of them with Bruno assuming the Mata role. If we can complete them two signings that will improve our side massively

Very impressed with Wan Bissaka, Lindelof, Pogba, McTominay, Rashford, Greenwood, Gomes, Chong, and Jones today. However, Bailly, Rojo, Young, Matic and Lingard need to pull the finger out. Anyone else not mentioned was decent}


1.) 17 Jul 2019
17 Jul 2019 14:52:47
Wan Bissaka isn’t going to be a great signing ed. Such a good player already with such a high ceiling. Exactly the type of signings I want to see.

{Ed004's Note - Think ed1 got sick of me talking about him throughout the season but he has everything you need in a fullback. Forgot Andreas in my original post. He was excellent}


2.) 17 Jul 2019
17 Jul 2019 15:00:31
Agree Ed.

Really impressed with AWB, Pogba, McTominay, Lindelof, Greenwood, Rashford, Gomes, Perreira and Jones.

Chong scuttled about loads and more touches than usual but gets pushed off ball too easily.

Lingard, Martial and Matic disappointing.

{Ed004's Note - Matic form has to be a worry unless he is being kept round for experience. He doesnt suit this new style of play. I expect Fred to overtake him when he joins up with the squad}


3.) 17 Jul 2019
17 Jul 2019 15:12:01
Totally agree with Ed004's analysis of the players, but extra praise from me for Mctominay, I thought he looked fantastic.


4.) 17 Jul 2019
17 Jul 2019 15:26:34
Agree Ed.
Really is very exciting though when you see glimpses of their potential in these friendlies, be amazing if they can keep it going, plus the pressing game, into the new season. Do honestly feel very optimistic, especially if Matic is to be phased out or replaced with Fred/ McTom; You can see a Bruno type player will also help (really hope we get him! ) unlock defences when other teams park the bus. Add a class CB and it all looks promising.

Be even better if players who don’t want to share in the longer term vision just go. If Ole can get them working together, all with positive momentum, could the start if something special: maybe not this year, but the rebuild looks good so far.

{Ed004's Note - If Lukaku goes I do think another attacker is needed because Im not sure theres enough goals in our front line. I dont expect Sanchez to step up, Lingards poor forms has been on show for about a year now, too soon to expect big numbers from Greenwood, James is not a renowned goal scorer which leaves just Martial and Rashford to carry the burden which is a bit concerning}


5.) 17 Jul 2019
17 Jul 2019 15:33:45
Thought Gomez looked really lively. Stronger as well. Doesn't look like a little schoolboy any more, and held his own against a physical Leeds team. He was sort of forgotten about last season, with all the talk about Chong and Greenwood, but he's a fantastic talent. Great close control. Perreira played well, too. Also looks stronger this season. Bit of bite about him, which is nice to see, and his dead ball delivery is excellent.


6.) 17 Jul 2019
17 Jul 2019 15:48:19
Ed, who’d be your replacement for Lukaku? Apart from Ben Yedder (and that was only once), I haven’t really seen united being linked with a move for a striker.

{Ed004's Note - Ideally someone like Nicolas Pepe or Chiesa. Let Rashford, Greenwood and Martial compete for the striker position}


7.) 17 Jul 2019
17 Jul 2019 16:02:00
Mctominay and Greenwood were full of energy. They will be an important cog next season.
I also expect Fred to step up and Luke Shaw to build on after his best season at the club.
It was nice to see Lindelof making that 50 yard run and looking for the forward pass. Maguire will do the same. These 2 can therefore be another attacking outlet against tight defences.

Overall, the energy and squad depth looked good.
This season, we will be very dangerous especially on the counter attack.


8.) 17 Jul 2019
17 Jul 2019 16:58:39
Looks we ll use a double pivot. Pogba/ Mctominay and Matic/ Pereira were used till now. Fred can also be utilised.
At this stage mc Tominay looks like the best partner for Pogba. Matic being too slow, Fred and Pereira perhaps too lightweight.

{Ed004's Note - That is how I see it as well. If Longstaff is a serious target I would consider moving Matic on}