Manchester United‘s preseason continued in style with a 4-1 comeback win over Melbourne Victory.
The match started off with the worst possible start for Erik ten Hag’s side with Chris Ikonomidis putting in a fine counterattack and giving Victory the lead after just five minutes.
From there United dominated the game but struggled to break through their stubborn opposition, eventually turning the game around with two goals late in the first half from Scott McTominay and Antony Martial.
After the break it was about the same, with a late strike of Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Edmond Lupancu which made the score look much more respectable and gave Red Devils fans even more encouragement after the 4-0 win over Liverpool earlier this week.
Role of Alex Telles gives clue about Lisandro Martinez position
Ten Hag made ten substitutions during halftime and his selection as central defender provided interesting displays, as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were replaced by Eric Bailly and Alex Telles.
Telles is not only associated with a departure from United, but is also a left back, suggesting that Ten Hag is preparing the rest of the squad for the arrival of Ajax player Lisandro Martinez.
The versatile Argentine will go to United for £46million and fly to Australia to take part in the pre-season tour, but given the centre-back’s ability to also play as a defensive midfielder and left-back, it was unclear where exactly he would be. would be. operate at Old Trafford.
That now seems to have been answered, with Martinez likely to fit into the left side of the defence, the position Harry Maguire has largely held for the past three seasons, although he has never been a natural fit there.
In addition, the England international played against Victory on the right during the first half, suggesting Maguire and Martinez are the preferred choice for the Ten Hag centre-back.
Ethan Laird for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order
Right-back is an area many believe should be upgraded at United, and neither Aaron Wan-Bissaka nor Diogo Dalot can hold the spot.
Dalot started Friday’s game, but Wan-Bissaka stayed on the bench as Ethan Laird, a graduate of the academy, was substituted at halftime.
The 20-year-old showed a lot of promise when he was loaned out to Swansea and Bournemouth last season and can now play a bigger role in the first team after a decent 45 minutes against Victory.
As for Wan-Bissaka, his time at United could end just three years after leaving Crystal Palace for £50million.
Frenkie de Jong can’t come soon enough
Despite having 76% possession, United really struggled to create many meaningful chances against Victory, with just five shots on target.
There was a slight dogmatic feel to their attacking style with the midfield and back line repeatedly passing sideways and resorting to creating chances through the fullbacks and wingers.
And while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, they lacked a good creative presence from the center of the field, something that needs to be resolved if and when Frenkie de Jong signs.
The transfer saga for the Barcelona man is well documented, but this match shows why Ten Hag is so eager to acquire his former protégé, whose vision and passing range would significantly improve United’s performance.
LAKE : Lisandro Martinez is set to join Manchester United roster in Australia as transfer is complete
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