Manchester United 1-0 Inter Milan: 5 Things We Learned
REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
Manchester United faced off against Inter Milan in Singapore as they continued on their pre-season tour, this time in the International Champions League. The clash saw United emerge victorious as a goal from Mason Greenwood in the 76th minute sealed their fate.
It was a game of more positives for the Premier League giants as well as a proper reality check after the relatively easier fixtures in Australia.
1. Harry Maguire Is Required
For a club that conceded an embarrassing amount of goals last season, United have dome incredibly well so far this pre-season, not letting in a single goal in their three games. While a lot of it has to do with the opponents they’ve faced, the issues at the back are still strong.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperately requires a ball-playing centre-back in his defense. The presence of Nemanja Matic, while once a crucial tactical one-up of the squad, now no longer has the same punch. The former Chelsea star is clearly aging and his inability to build the attack from the back was painfully obvious against Inter.
Maguire is obviously the man for the task and it will be interesting to see where United go from here with regard to his future.
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2. Mason Greenwood Should Start Against Chelsea
After the game against Leeds United, Solsjkaer openly stated that Mason Greenwood may be awarded a start against Chelsea in the club’s Premier League opener.
The 17-year-old has certainly proven his mettle last season and was also on the score-sheet in Perth. However, the winner from Young’s freekick today is precisely what he may have needed to convince the Norwegian gaffer.
United have traditionally operated on the ethos that if a player is good enough to start, he is certainly old enough as well. Furthermore, facing Chelsea at Old Trafford is the precise baptism of fire that Greenwood will need to start off his career as a Red Devil.
3. Pogba Impressive Yet Again
Despite the uncertainty that surrounds his future, Pogba on the pitch is still a talent eager to amaze. It is evident that he’ll continue his impeccable form from last season and was a constant threat against the Italian side.
His creative intent up-front was evident but it was also quite clear that Jesse Lingard wasn’t the presence that the Frenchman could make apt use of. This is precisely why the club needs to secure Bruno Fernandes so as to make the best out of Pogba going forward.
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4. Inter Needs Lukaku
Inter Milan were painfully toothless in front of goal. It is evident that Antonio Conte requires attacking options desperately and can’t afford to bargain. They will have to pay up the asking price that United are demanding for Romelu Lukaku as the Belgian’s clinical finishing can do them a whole lot of good.
If Conte heads into the Serie A with today’s attacking options, challenging the likes of Juventus and Napoli for the title will be a far cry from the realms of possibility.
5. AWB And Tackling – A Pair Crafted In Heaven
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is increasingly proving himself to be the finest investment that United have made in years altogether. The ‘Spider’ was in full force against Inter and tackles for fun. It is clear that he enjoys tackling duels and winning them just as much as certain attackers love scoring.
What was more delightful was that the United supporters absolutely loved the manner in which he played. Old Trafford will be itching to see him in action and paired alongside the pacey Daniel James, the right-flank will be a constant threat in the upcoming campaigns.