A Fiery Friendly That Lived Up to Its Name
Manchester United’s pre-season preparations took a concerning turn as they fell 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in Oslo, with Joao Felix’s late strike proving decisive. What was billed as a friendly match turned into a heated encounter, culminating in Fred’s dismissal for a second bookable offense just moments after Felix’s winner.
Erik ten Hag fielded what many believe will be United’s starting XI for their Premier League opener against Brighton, but the performance raised more questions than answers. The absence of Jadon Sancho due to illness particularly highlighted United’s lack of depth on the right flank, with Anthony Elanga struggling to make an impact in an unfamiliar position.
Tactical Breakdown: Where It Went Wrong for United
Right-Side Woes Exposed
Sancho’s absence laid bare United’s lack of options on the right wing. Elanga, naturally left-footed, looked uncomfortable and was consistently outmuscled by Atletico’s physical defenders. This imbalance forced United to channel most attacks down the left, making them predictable and easier to defend against.
Former Premier League analyst Mark Thompson, speaking exclusively to Mostbet, noted: “United’s right-sided issues have been apparent for years. The fact they’re still relying on square pegs in round holes this close to the season is concerning. Ten Hag needs a specialist right winger if they’re to compete at the top level.”
Midfield Concerns Persist
The Fred-McTominay partnership, while energetic, lacked the creativity to break down Atletico’s organized defense. It wasn’t until Christian Eriksen’s introduction that United looked threatening from central areas. The Dane’s 20-minute cameo was a bright spot, showcasing the vision and set-piece delivery that has been sorely missing.
New signing Tyrell Malacia showed promise but couldn’t prevent United’s defeat
Key Takeaways from Oslo
Eriksen’s Immediate Impact
Despite limited minutes, Eriksen demonstrated why Ten Hag was so keen to bring him to Old Trafford. His pinpoint cross nearly created an equalizer for Rashford, while his corner delivery found Maguire unmarked – a chance the captain should have converted.
Elanga praised his new teammate: “His quality is obvious in training. The way he scans the pitch and executes passes is world-class. Fans will see much more of this as the season progresses.”
Defensive Fragility Remains
While the scoreline suggests a tight game, United’s defense looked vulnerable throughout. Atletico’s second-half substitutions – bringing on Felix, Griezmann, and Morata – overwhelmed United’s backline, exposing a lack of pace and positional awareness.
Looking Ahead: Rayo Vallecano and Beyond
Ten Hag confirmed that Saturday’s starters won’t feature in Sunday’s final pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford. This gives opportunities for Martinez, Eriksen, and potentially Cristiano Ronaldo to stake their claims.
Ronaldo’s social media post – “Sunday, the King plays” – suggests he’ll feature despite ongoing transfer speculation. His presence, or absence, could define United’s season as they scramble to strengthen their squad before the window closes.
Ten Hag’s Honest Assessment
The Dutchman didn’t mince words after the defeat: “Creating chances isn’t enough. We must be more clinical. Some tackles went beyond acceptable limits today, but overall I saw positive aspects to build on.”
His frustration was palpable regarding United’s failure to capitalize on opportunities, a recurring theme in recent seasons. With the Premier League kickoff looming, time is running out to address these issues.
Mostbet Verdict: Work to Do at Old Trafford
While pre-season results shouldn’t be overanalyzed, the patterns emerging from United’s performances are concerning. The right-wing dilemma, midfield creativity, and defensive solidity all require urgent attention.
The Anthony transfer saga continues to drag on, with Ajax now demanding €100m. United’s hierarchy must decide whether to meet this valuation or pursue alternatives, as their current squad looks ill-equipped for a top-four challenge.
As Mostbet experts have noted, “United’s rebuild under Ten Hag was always going to take time, but the lack of progress in key areas is worrying. The next two weeks in the transfer market could define their season.”
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