Goals from youngsters Noam Emeran and Joe Hugill gave Manchester United victory over Leeds in their first pre-season encounter in Oslo.
The two sides cancelled each other out in the first half as Hannibal Mejbri came closest for the Red Devils, forcing Leeds goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson into a smart save. Debutant Mason Mount impressed for Erik ten Hag’s side, but it was teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo who stood out the most – showing why he is so highly rated by coaches at Old Trafford.
The second half saw United ring change their entire team with Leeds also making wholesale changes, albeit having more experience after the break. It was Frenchman Emeran who broke the deadlock with a smart finish after being picked out by Isak Hansen-Aaroeen before Hugill doubled the lead ten minutes from time.
Here are five things that were missed during the clash in the Norwegian capital.
Youngsters impress for United
Teenage stars Omari Forson and the hugely impressive midfielder Kobbie Mainoo both were handed starts for this game, alongside Spanish full-back Alvaro Fernandez– who spent last season on loan at Preston.
Amad and Hannibal Mejri – who have more first-team experience – were also involved, while the second half was a universally changed side packed full of youngsters.
Noam Emeran scored the goal to give United the lead after a superb threaded through ball by Isak Hansen-Aaroeen, who was impressive across his 45-minute appearance. Young goalkeeper Matej Kovar also showed glimpses of a bright future, as Charlie Savage – son of Robbie – captained the second half XI and Hugill, another young star, netted another.
McQueen tribute
Ahead of kick-off, the captains of both sides – Raphael Varane and Liam Cooper – took to the field wearing ‘McQueen’ shirts in honour of Gordon McQueen, who passed away last month.
The former Scotland international starred for both clubs across 13 years of his glorious career, with both Manchester United and Leeds showing a touch of class with this gesture as a minute’s applause was held ahead of kick-off.
Ten Hag’s striker-less formation
Manchester United’s priority going into this transfer window was to sign a new No. 9 striker and so far, Erik ten Hag has not had his wish come true. Mason Mount has arrived, and a new goalkeeper is thought to be imminent, but the Dutchman has had to adapt.
With neither Anthony Martial nor Marcus Rashford in the squad for this friendly, the only natural striker available was teenager Joe Hugill – who came on at half-time and found the net, but for the first half United were striker-less.
Amad, Mount, Omari Forson and Jadon Sancho all started in a striker-less formation, which is more likely a reminder to United transfer chiefs that a signing needs to be made rather than a look ahead at what is come. United are pushing for the signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
Mount makes mark
Mason Mount was the one debutant in the United line-up and his impact was always likely to be the most interesting takeaway from this clash.
Speaking ahead of the game to MUTV, Ten Hag said of Mount: “I'm sure he will bring dynamic into our game and that's one of our analytical conclusions after last season. We need more dynamic in the midfield department.”
Mount’s dynamism was clear, showing how he gets across the pitch and pops up in all areas – continually showing for the ball. In the absence of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes, he was also on set-piece duty for this game.
This was always likely to be a tricky clash to make a clear judgement on any player due to the mix of players and time of pre-season, but there were no shortage of positive signs for the former Chelsea star.
Amad and Hannibal look to impress
Amad and Hannibal Mejbri are back at Old Trafford following loan spells at Sunderland and Birmingham respectively – both are now at pivotal moments in their United careers.
They have experience of senior football and have both developed physically, but there remain question marks over both. Amad bagged 14 goals at Sunderland last season and could form a part of Ten Hag’s first-team squad, but one more season out on loan cannot be ruled out.
Hannibal’s future is even less clear, with Borussia Dortmund interested in a permanent move for the midfielder. The Tunisian international is trying to force his way into United’s first-team plans, and showed his enthusiasm in this game – any offers for a deal will force Ten Hag’s hand.
