Manchester United's tour of the US is starting to take shape after Tuesday's announcement that the Reds will take on Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 30.
The last time United faced Dortmund was back in 2016 as the two teams met in Shanghai during the Reds' tour of China. Managed by Jose Mourinho, United would struggle in the heat as the Bundesliga giants put the Portuguese coach's team to the sword.
Gonzalo Castro would give Dortmund the lead after goalkeeper Sam Johnstone spilled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's free kick. Aubameyang then made it two shortly after the 35-minute mark as he converted a penalty following a handball by Antonio Valencia.
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Ousmane Dembele would make it three before the hour mark after jinxing past Marcos Rojo. United would respond quickly through Henrikh Mkhitaryan but the game was over as a contest when Castro scored late on to complete the 4-1 victory.
Like with most friendlies, the comments after the full-time whistle were more important than the football played in the sweltering conditions. Mourinho's initial assessment was that he could learn very little from a match against a side that was further along with their preparations than United.
However, when asked about signings, Mourinho's verdict was clear: "When we sign one, that crucial [player], work will be done." United's head coach was referring to a deal for Paul Pogba.
The signing of the midfielder from Juventus would be sealed the following month and at the time it was heralded as the missing piece of the puzzle for Mourinho. History could now repeat itself this summer with Erik ten Hag.
What has become clear is that United are in desperate need of a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer window. With each passing game, it is highlighted that Wout Weghorst will not be the long-term solution to the Reds' centre-forward concerns.
The Reds have been severely lacking goals in the absence of a recognised striker. Marcus Rashford has performed admirably but there has been no support for him on the scoresheet.
Ten Hag insists he has been pleased with Weghorst's overall work up front for the team but goals are needed to build on the Dutchman's positive work so far. MEN Sport understands that Harry Kane is the main transfer target for the Reds in the summer and there is no doubt he would vastly improve the club's current goal output.
Concern for United is whether Tottenham will allow their captain to leave. Historically, chairman Daniel Levy has been reluctant to sell his star asset.
Should this be the case again Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani and Napoli's Victor Osimhen have been targeted as back-up options.
But, like Mourinho before him, Ten Hag will be desperate to sign his very own 'crucial player' and make sure that the deal is done quickly too. Unlike Mourinho's Reds, Ten Hag's team looks close to being able to compete well in competitions, however without a recognised striker, progress could remain limited.
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