Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Munich. United created very little and at times struggled to match the German side on the pitch. It was a second half header from Javi Martinez which beat David De Gea that ended United’s pre-season with the second defeat of the summer.
United avoided a much bigger defeat, which will be a positive heading into the new Premier League season. Jose Mourinho knows the problems he has with those missing because of the FIFA World Cup and through injury. More could have been down this summer with United seemingly needed to strengthen in many areas, which could mean another long, tough season lying ahead.
There were some positives from the game though. Eric Bailly was partnered with Victor Lindelof and both did United proud, looking solid in defence. Fred was also looking to be settling at his new club, playing some good football at times and trying to inspire and create, which could be what he is tasked with when a full strength United play their matches.
Alexis Sanchez also looked like a different player from the one which arrived in January. He seems more confident, has had good pre-season, which will be his first for a number of years. The defeat means nothing, as it was pre-season. The playing style os problematic, but with the number of players missing, this is understandable. In a few weeks, this pre-season could be a thing of the past.
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
Did well during the first half with United having few chances and welcoming the pressure of Bayern. Made a few good saves, close to being his best once again. Conceded in the 59th minute of the game, beaten by a Martinez header.
Matteo Darmian
The Italian, who continue to be linked with an exit this summer, started as the main right-back once again and was involved in the game during spells. He was replaced by Jones in the 65th minute.
2 Victor Lindelof
Lindelof started alongside Bailly, which was something we all wanted to see. The Swede did well in defence and was kept busy at times. Replaced in the 78th minute by Tuanzebe.
3 Eric Bailly
Had a good first half, commanding the central defensive area. Bayern had many chances, most thwarted by the greatness of De Gea. His match was ended in the 51st minute due to injury.
23 Luke Shaw
The English left-back did well again, seemingly playing himself into Mourinho's good books this pre-season. Got forward, tried to create and score. Replaced by Mitchell in the 78th minute.
21 Ander Herrera
Herrera did well in midfield, playing in a three-man midfield with Fred and Andreas Pereira. Put in some good work at times. Replaced by Garner in the 81st minute.
15 Andreas Pereira
Played another game in midfield and seemed to do well, at times. Far from convinced that this midfield is capable of performing as there was little creativity coming from the area. Not Pereira's fault as he seeks a chance to show what he's capable of.
17 Fred
Fred was still finding his feet at United but also started to show his abilities both on and off the ball. The Brazilian will no doubt get better as the weeks progress. With Matic on the sidelines and Fellaini still on holiday, his signing will be much-needed in the early stages of the season.
8 Juan Mata
The Spaniard may not seem suited to the right-wing, especially with the fact that United created very little during the game. Was replaced by McTominay in the 65th minute.
10 Marcus Rashford
The new number 10 did not have the best of games, however, it was his first match after his holiday. He did well doing what he did with this United side making it seem like it would be another long, hard season. Replaced by Fosu-Mensah in the 65th minute.
Alexis Sanchez
Had little creativity coming from behind him against Bayern. He won't be happy about that or the defeat. Dug deep at times to try and create but it just did not work out.
Substitutes
13 Lee Grant
Replaced De Gea 78'. Had a cameo in goal, denied Bayern from scoring, hitting the side netting, conceded late on but it was ruled for offside.
24 Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Replaced Rashford 65'. The Dutchman seems to be heading out on loan this summer but playing in pre-season has shown his ability. Did well against Bayern.
4 Phil Jones
Replaced Darmian 65'. Got involved in the game but it never helped to improve United at all. Still welcoming the pressure, still sidestepping it. Could have lost by more goals.
35 Demetri Mitchell
Replaced Shaw 78'. Played well in place of Shaw. His pace and ability showed promise but it was not enough for United to end pre-season with a victory.
Chris Smalling
Replaced Bailly 51'. Not good that Bailly seemed to be carrying an injury. Smalling was his usual self when he came on, pushing and pulling players in the box. Not a bad performance from him though.
38 Axel Tuanzebe
Replaced Lindelof 78'. Did well during the 12 minutes he played. Could have a good season if he remains at the club, could be sent out on loan though, which will be good as long as he plays.
37 James Garner
Replaced Herrera 81'. Came on an injured Herrera with nine minutes to play. Did not really get involved in the game.
39 Scott McTominay
Replaced Mata 65'. Got stuck into the game. Was fouled by Boateng shortly after he came on. Hardly got involved in an creativity though.
44 Tahith Chong
Replaced Fred 78'. Got more minutes on the pitch. Not ready for the first team yet. Has the ability, the face and the mind to read the game and his opposition. His physicality is the problem right now but in the future, he could be a great player for United, or whoever.
Manchester United: De Gea (Grant 78′); Darmian (Jones 65′), Lindelof (Tuanzebe 78′), Bailly (Smalling 51′), Shaw (Mitchell 78′); Herrera (Garner 81′), Pereira, Fred (Chong 78′); Mata (McTominay 65′), Rashford (Fosu-Mensah 65′), Sanchez
Substitutes Not Used: Greenwood
Speak Your Mind