Manchester United have enjoyed a fruitful pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia this month.
They were a second away from attaining a 100 per cent winning record with triumphs over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace followed by Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Erik ten Hag has been able to put his plans into action, and his preparations have paid off so far.
He’s not tried to hide his selection preferences by seemingly starting his preferred XI in all four friendlies. But he’s also made sure to give most academy hopefuls in the tour squad some minutes.
READ MORE: What Erik ten Hag said in dressing room after Villa draw
The likes of Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage have certainly made an impression and could stake a place in the first team next term. Meanwhile Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Bruno Fernandes have all played starring roles.
United have two pre-season friendlies still left to play; Atletico Madrid on July 30 in Norway and Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford a day later. And here are the things Ten Hag has already learnt a lot about his side to take into those games:
Varane is still unreliable
A number of players will have hoped to have a fresh start under the new boss but, unfortunately for United, it looks like Raphael Varane has picked up where he left off. The France international was plagued by injuries last term and suffered set-backs again while out on tour.
His place in the team is now in danger amid Ten Hag’s decision to keep Harry Maguire on as captain with new signing Lisandro Martinez likely to partner him at centre-half. He needs to watch his back too, with Eric Bailly putting in some solid performances this summer and Victor Lindelof very much an option.
United don’t need to rely on Ronaldo for goals
One major positive is that goals have come from all across the frontline rather than just one man. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 24 times last season and nobody else in the United team came close to his tally.
They somewhat relied on the 37-year-old for goals last season but this may not be the case this time around. Martial and Sancho have scored three apiece this pre-season already while Rashford has two of his own, while there have also been strikes from midfield.
Van de Beek reunion not a fairytale so far
After a tough first two seasons at United, Donny van de Beek has been backed to rediscover his Ajax form under his former boss. There is, of course, still plenty of time for that to come about but a revival has certainly not been instantaneous.
He is seen as an attacking midfielder by Ten Hag and did provide a lovely assist for Marcus Rashford in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace but has not had the same impact Fernandes has, or that Christian Eriksen is expected to. He hasn’t given Ten Hag enough reasons to play him over the aforementioned duo just yet, but there's time.
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