Manchester United continued their Europe-based pre-season campaign this afternoon with an impressive performance against Atletico Madrid in Solna, Sweden.
As August began and the first Premier League match against Hull City sits just three weeks away on the calendar, head coach Michael Carrick was given plenty of food for thought today as the Red Devils came from a goal behind to win the entertaining tie. Here are three things we learned from the 2-1 victory.
1. Mason Mount’s midfield transition is working
Carrick decided to use pre-season to trial the versatile Mount in the new role of central midfielder and the England man has gone from strength to strength in just three games.
Mount’s positioning today ahead of Andrey Santos was superb, his first touch exquisite and his distribution crisp and inventive. If the 27-year-old can stay fit this season, he could play a really important role in Carrick’s midifled and will give the likes of Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo serious competition for their places.
2. Shea Lacey is ready for the first team squad
While the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu were only able to show flashes of form today, academy product Lacey looked a danger every time he received the ball. His quick feet won United a penalty today and physically he has filled out as well.
A well-timed sliding tackle was a reminder that the youngster can be a little hot-headed – he was sent off in his third senior appearance for United in the FA Cup against Brighton in January. However, at 19 years of age, his ceiling is looking extremely high and he needs to be tested at the top level rather than being held back further with a loan this season.
3. Dorgu and Yoro struggling in their new roles
Whilst Mount thrives in central midfield, Carrick’s experiments with Yoro at right-back and Dorgu at left-wing are not so spectacular. Yoro was caught out of position a number of times today, did not convince going forward and was weak in the challenge for Atleti’s goal.
Dorgu made some positive runs early on but his final ball was disappointing and he seemed to run out of steam and ideas.
Final Thoughts
✅ Mount exceptional in central midfield
✅ Lacey earning place in squad
⚠️ New positions not working for Dorgu and Yoro
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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