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Ratings: Lingard and Elanga score in 4-2 defeat by QPR; training matches are about fitness, not about winning

24 July 2021 by

Manchester United were beaten 4-2 by Queens Park Rangers at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s second pre-season match will be a memorable one on the day it was announced that he signed a new contract at the club. Jesse Lingard opened the scoring in the third minute of the match with Anthony Elanga scoring a late consolation. QPR found goals through Charlie Austin, a brace from Lyndon Dykes and Moses Odubajo. United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford on Wednesday evening, in their third pre-season match of the summer.

United started well against QPR and got forward almost immediately. Facundo Pellistri played in a great ball to Jesse Lingard, who opened the scoring in the third minute of the match. It did not start a ruthless performance from United though as in the sixth minute, Charlie Austin had found the back of the net to give QPR an equaliser. It was a pretty even half from there with the home side seemingly thinking they were playing a cup final against United, rather than a friendly. There were a few chances for either side, but nothing that was going to change the game. United had a good half but there is still so much more to do in this match.

Jesse Lingard celebrating after opening the scoring against Queens Park Rangers.

At the start of the second half, Solskjaer made four substitutions with Lee Grant, James Garner, Juan Mata and Anthony Elanga replacing Tom Heaton, Nemanja Matic, Facundo Pellistri and Daniel James. QPR got their second goal through Lyndon Dykes in the 53rd minute of the match, which put the home side in a great position, although Elanga had a chance to get one back but collided with the goalkeeper when he was through on goal. QPR then scored a third through trials Moses Odubajo, then Dykes scored the fourth goal of the match a minute later. This is a dire match for United, but the majority of people will moan before looking at the squad.

The majority of United’s first team players were still on holiday after their participation in Euro 2020 and Copa America. QPR have been a team in form in this match and with United’s toughly squad, it was never going to be something that United dominated, even if they did so against Derby last week. In the 61st minute, Solskjaer made three more substitutions with Ethan Galbraith, Dylan Levitt and Shola Shoretire replaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Andreas Pereira and Mason Greenwood. United tried to get back into the game, but it was ahead of them still.Hannibal Mejbri replaced Lingard in the 68th minute of the match.

Anthony Elanga scoring a late consolation for Manchester United against Queens Park Rangers

United got a goal back to bring the score to 4-2 with Anthony Elanga finding the back of the net after some good play from Shola Shoretire, who made the assist. Solskjaer made three more substitutions; two in the 80th minute with Di’Shon Bernard and Will Fish replacing Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi and one in the 83rd minute in which Joe Hugill replaced Brandon Williams. It was going to be a lesson for United, a test for the youth and a reminder of what things will be like playing senior football. Pre-season matches are not there to be won but there will be many moaning about this heavy defeat.

United will be back in action on Wednesday evening as they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford in the third pre-season friendly of the summer. United then travel to Preston North End on the 31 July before welcoming Everton to the Theatre of Dreams on the 7 August which will end pre-season and have United ready for the season proper. United will host Leeds United at Old Trafford in the opening Premier League match of the season, which will be a tough match for United but one that will see them having the majority of their senior team back at the club and ready to start the new season.

Manchester United

22 Tom Heaton

Played a good game against QPR. Will be annoyed with the distribution in the match. Conceded in the sixth minute but held firm thereafter. He's definitely here to play more than a bit part role at the club. Replaced by Grant in the 46th minute.

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29 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

He was tested down the right with QPR attacking there all the time. His attacking was pretty ineffective. Replaced by Galbraith in the 61st minute.

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38 Axel Tuanzebe

Tested throughout the match and both Austin and Dykes got the better of him. Him playing regular football will be better for him, so a loan spell would be the best option for his this season. Replaced by Bernard in the 80th minute.

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43 Teden Mengi

Austin punished him for the first goal, which is what you would expect from a striker like him, against an inexperienced academy player. Replaced by Fish in the 80th minute.

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33 Brandon Williams

Played a more defensive game but did not get forward too much. When Maguire, Lindelof and Shaw are all back, the defence will be better. Replaced by Hugill in the 83rd minute.

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31 Nemanja Matic

Played a defensive midfield game, often on his own. Possibly gave the impression that this area of the midfield could with strengthening. He did all he could do. Replaced by Garner in the 46th minute.

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15 Andreas Pereira

He did well with Lingard in the early minutes of the match but after Austin's goal, he seemed to regress. United should offload him this summer. There is no point in keeping him. Not good enough. Replaced by Levitt in the 61st minute.

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28 Facundo Pellistri

Had a great first half, like his second half against Derby. Assisted a good goal for Lingard after a clever run. Cut inside from the right for most of his performance, indicating that he will be a more central attacking player. Replaced by Mata in the 46th minute.

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14 Jesse Lingard

Scored the first goal of the match with United looking to get the better of QPR. Put in plenty of energy and attacking play. Did his best but could not find any more goals. Replaced by Hannibal in the 6th minute.

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Ratings: Lingard and Elanga score in 4-2 defeat by QPR; training matches are about fitness, not about winning

The Welsh winger was involved in the opening goal but regressed from there. It was early days for him after only returning to training at the start of the week. His final ball and yet again his decision making was problematic. He was replaced by Elanga in the 46th minute.

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11 Mason Greenwood

Played a deeper role because of a lack of creativity. Seemed out of sorts as the main striker without experience alongside him. Replaced by Shoretire in the 61st minute.

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Substitutes

13 Lee Grant

Replaced Heaton 46'. Conceded three goals, all in quick succession. Not a lot he could have done for any of them though.

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8 Juan Mata

Replaced Pellistri 46'. Had some involvement in the match, providing Elanga with the ball, but his impact was minimal.

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37 James Garner

Replaced Matic 46'. Got on the ball a lot but United were that far behind, it was not working for them. Hopefully he gets a good loan spell in the Premier League this season.

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36 Anthony Elanga

Replaced James 46'. He was a great asset froths introduction at the start of the second half. A good attacking talent that will get minutes this season. Scored in the 74th minute with a great finish.

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54 Ethan Galbraith

Replaced Wan-Bissaka 61'. Played at right-back, which is not his preferred position. He was solid at times and did what he needed to do.

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35 Dylan Levitt

Replaced Pereira 61'. Had a shot from distance and put in his all in this performance.

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47 Shola Shoretire

Replaced Greenwood 61'. Got himself an assist by picking out Elanga in the 74th minute to get a goal back, but it was not enough for United. Showed spirit and ability though, which was good.

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46 Hannibal Mejbri

Replaced Lingard 68'. Showed his skill in a tough match and did not show defeat, which is a good sign. United have a great talent here.

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58 Di’Shon Bernard

Replaced Tuanzebe 80'. Did not do all that well with a messy foul. Still got some experience. Will probably head out on loan again soon.

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48 Will Fish

Replaced Mengi 80'. Did not have too much time to make an impact. He might play again before he heads on loan this season.

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52 Joe Hugill

Replaced Williams 83'. Had seven minutes plus added time. Missed a good chance on goal, which could have inspired United to a comeback. Good to see him get some more time on the pitch though.

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Goals: Charlie Austin 7′, Lyndon Dykes 53′, 59′, Moses Odubajo 58′; Jesse Lingard 3′, Anthony Elanga 74′

Assists: Yoann Barbet 7′, Lee Wallace 53′, Chris Willock 58′, 59′; Facundo Pellistri 3′, Shola Shoretire 74′

Manchester United: Heaton (Grant 46′); Wan-Bissaka (Galbraith 61′), Tuanzebe (Bernard 80′), Mengi (Fish 80′), Williams (Hugill 83′); Andreas (Levitt 61′), Matic (Garner 46′); Pellistri (Mata 46′), Lingard (Hannibal 68′), James (Elanga 46′); Greenwood (Shoretire 61′)

Substitutes Not Used: Bishop

Bookings: N/A

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Reports, Opinion, Player Ratings Tagged With: , , , , ,

Confirmed XI: Greenwood, Pellistri, Lingard and James start against QPR

24 July 2021 by

Manchester United will face Queens Park Rangers at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday afternoon in what will be their second pre-season match of the summer. United beat Derby County 2-1 on Sunday at Pride Park with Tahith Chong opening the scoring, Facundo Pellistri doubling United’s lead and Colin Karim-Richards scoring a consolation goal. United looked good on the pitch and some of the players looked to be getting ready for the new season, whether it would be at United, loaned out or even sold this summer. Pellistri and Chong looked good, as did Jesse Lingard when he came on in the second half.

This is the second of five pre-season matches this summer, with two yet to be played at Old Trafford; Brentford (28 July) and Everton (7 August) with a trip to Preston North End in between (31 July). United are still missing 10 first team players; David De Gea, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani, with nine of them eventually joining up with the squad, and Rashford yet to know if he will be having surgery – keeping him out until at least October, plus Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo who are representing the Ivory Coast in the Olympics in Tokyo.

Manchester United:

Heaton;

Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mengi, Williams;

Matic, Andreas;

Pellistri, Lingard, James;

Greenwood

Substitutes:

Grant, Bishop; Fish, Bernard; Mata, Levitt, Garner, Hannibal, Galbraith; Elanga, Shoretire, Hugill

Queens Park Rangers:

Dieng;

Dickie, De Wijs, Barbet;

Adubajo, Dozzell, Ball, Willock, Wallace;

Chair, Austin

Substitutes:

Walsh, Kakay, McCallum, Odomah, Thomas, Dykes, Kelman

United and QPR have met a total of 53 times competitively in the history of both clubs. United have won 34 times, drawing 13 times and losing just six times. The last loss against QPR was on the 1 January 1992 with the away side winning 4-1 with Brian McClair scoring United’s only goal of the match. Since then, a total of 17 matches have been played between the two clubs with United winning 14 times, with two runs of seven victories in a row, drawing three times. The last match between the two clubs was played on the 17 January 2015 and was a 2-0 victory for United with Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson scoring the goals.

There are no current QPR players who have played for United but there has been a few players with a United connection play for the London club. The two latest first team players to have left United for QPR were Ji-Sung Park, who left in the summer of 2012 and Rio Ferdinand, who left the club in the summer of 2014. Sean Goss, a player from United’s academy signed for QPR in the summer of 2016 and Will Keane was loaned to the club during part of the 2013/14 season. Fabio da Silva (2012/13), Federico Macheda (2012/13), Tom Heaton (2009/10) and Kieran Lee (2007/08) were also loaned to QPR. Paul Parker signed from QPR in 1991.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, News, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Predicted XI: Heaton, Tuanzebe, Mengi, Garner, Pellistri and Elanga to face QPR?

23 July 2021 by

Manchester United will face Queens Park Rangers at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday afternoon in what will be their second pre-season match of the summer. United beat Derby County 2-1 on Sunday at Pride Park with Tahith Chong opening the scoring, Facundo Pellistri doubling United’s lead and Colin Karim-Richards scoring a consolation goal. United looked good on the pitch and some of the players looked to be getting ready for the new season, whether it would be at United, loaned out or even sold this summer. Pellistri and Chong looked good, as did Jesse Lingard when he came on in the second half.

This is the second of five pre-season matches this summer, with two yet to be played at Old Trafford; Brentford (28 July) and Everton (7 August) with a trip to Preston North End in between (31 July). United are still missing 10 first team players; David De Gea, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani, with nine of them eventually joining up with the squad, and Rashford yet to know if he will be having surgery – keeping him out until at least October, plus Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo who are representing the Ivory Coast in the Olympics in Tokyo.

Tahith Chong, Alex Telles, Andreas Pereira, Facundo Pellistri and Juan Mata – Manchester United website

How United have faired against Queens Park Rangers.

United and QPR have met a total of 53 times competitively in the history of both clubs. United have won 34 times, drawing 13 times and losing just six times. The last loss against QPR was on the 1 January 1992 with the away side winning 4-1 with Brian McClair scoring United’s only goal of the match. Since then, a total of 17 matches have been played between the two clubs with United winning 14 times, with two runs of seven victories in a row, drawing three times. The last match between the two clubs was played on the 17 January 2015 and was a 2-0 victory for United with Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson scoring the goals.

There are no current QPR players who have played for United but there has been a few players with a United connection play for the London club. The two latest first team players to have left United for QPR were Ji-Sung Park, who left in the summer of 2012 and Rio Ferdinand, who left the club in the summer of 2014. Sean Goss, a player from United’s academy signed for QPR in the summer of 2016 and Will Keane was loaned to the club during part of the 2013/14 season. Fabio da Silva (2012/13), Federico Macheda (2012/13), Tom Heaton (2009/10) and Kieran Lee (2007/08) were also loaned to QPR. Paul Parker signed from QPR in 1991.

Here is my predicted starting XI to face Queens Park Rangers in their pre-season friendly at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday afternoon…

Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton

Tom Heaton played well against Derby County last weekend, producing a few good saved to deny the home side from scoring, keeping a clean sheet in his appearance with Lee Grant conceding a goal in the second half. Heaton was loaned from United to QPR in the 2009/10 season so he has some history the club. It would seem that Heaton came to United to fight for the number one shirt this season with David De Gea and Dean Henderson doing the same, so this will bring out the best of all three players. Heaton is a decent goalkeeper and proved himself at Burnley, especially against United. This should be a good match for him and one that he should perform in once again, putting his name into the ring to start against Leeds in three weeks time.

Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Teden Mengi, Alex Telles

United’s defence is still inexperienced, at least in the centre of defence with experienced players in the fullback positions. Aaron Wan-Bissaka should start on the right, maybe playing 60 minutes in this match to help get him up to speed for the new season. Alex Telles should also start, playing on the left, also featuring for 60 minutes in this match as he could be the left-back that starts the season, depending on Luke Shaw’s fitness and injuries sustained whilst playing for England. In the centre of defence, Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi should start once again, as they did against Derby, playing for 60 minutes, maybe more this time around. United have few defensive players in the pre-season squad so both Di’Shon Bernard and Will Fish could replace them.

Midfield: James Garner, Nemanja Matic

James Garner started against Derby, playing 45 minutes with Nemanja Matic also playing 45 minutes in the second half. Both should play together in this match as I feel Garner could learn from playing alongside Matic at this stage of pre-season. Garner partnered Dylan Levitt against Derby, with both players replaced at the break, so giving both Garner and Matic 60 minutes would be good for their eventual fitness levels. Of course, Scott McTominay cold be involved in this match, but with him being back in training since the start of the week, he may not be able to get more than 30 minutes or so, which would work out well in this match. Levitt, Andreas Pereira and even Ethan Galbraith could be involved at some stage too.

Attacking Midfield: Facundo Pellistri, Jesse Lingard, Anthony Elanga

With all the first choice senior players in this positions not involved at this time, it will most likely be a youthful attacking line once again. Facundo Pellistri deserves to start against QPR after his performance against Derby last week, scoring the second goal for United in the second half. He has some skills and will do well playing more minutes this week, even if he is being loaned out in the not too distant future. Jesse Lingard should play in the central position in the three behind the striker with Anthony Elanga playing on the left. Solskjaer will have Daniel James, Hannibal Mejbri, Tahith Chong and Shola Shoretire to bring on too, which could mean that 45 or 60 minutes could be in the bag for those who start in these positions against QPR.

Forwards: Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood starts against Derby last week and played well, despite not scoring or assisting a goal. He will be seeking to get going against QPR and cold perhaps score his first goal of the pre-season campaign. He’s the only experienced striker in the squad at this time so will have to do until the likes of Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are back in action. Anthony Elanga could also feature in this position, which would be good to see. It means that even if he starts, United have the luxury of changing the system of play to get the upper hand over the Championship team. Greenwood mainly plays on the right-wing, but he is a striker in his natural position and will learn more this season, playing alongside Cavani.

Substitutes: Lee Grant, Nathan Bishop; Brandon Williams, Will Fish, Di’Shon Bernard; Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Danel James, Dylan Levitt, Scott McTominay, Hannibal Mejbri, Ethan Galbraith; Tahith Chong, Shola Shoretire, Joe Hugill

Solskjaer could have up to 15 players on the bench against QPR, which could shorten the minutes some players are on the pitch for. Some may not get the chance to feature in this match, which would be a shame. I would like to see Hannibal Mejbri get more minutes on the pitch, as he came on in the last 11 minutes against Derby, replacing Joe Hugill. The likes of Lee Grant and Nathan Bishop could also feature at some stage, with Heaton likely starting. In defence, Brandon Williams, Will Fish and Di’Shon Bernard could feature with Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Daniel James, Dylan Levitt, Scott McTominay, Hannibal and Ethan Galbraith also available. In attack, Tahith Chong, Shola Shoretire and Hugill will also be expecting to feature.

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Opinion, Starting XI Tagged With: , , , , ,

Preview: QPR to challenge Manchester United in their second pre-season match

23 July 2021 by

Queens Park Rangers -v- Manchester United

Pre-Season 2021/22

Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium, Loftus Road, London

Saturday 24 July 2021, KO 15:00 BST

Manchester United will face Queens Park Rangers at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday afternoon in what will be their second pre-season match of the summer. United beat Derby County 2-1 on Sunday at Pride Park with Tahith Chong opening the scoring, Facundo Pellistri doubling United’s lead and Colin Karim-Richards scoring a consolation goal. United looked good on the pitch and some of the players looked to be getting ready for the new season, whether it would be at United, loaned out or even sold this summer. Pellistri and Chong looked good, as did Jesse Lingard when he came on in the second half.

This is the second of five pre-season matches this summer, with two yet to be played at Old Trafford; Brentford (28 July) and Everton (7 August) with a trip to Preston North End in between (31 July). Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still missing 11 first team players; David De Gea, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Fred, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Edinson Cavani, with 10 of them eventually joining up with the squad, and Rashford yet to know if he will be having surgery – keeping him out until at least October, plus Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo who are representing the Ivory Coast in the Olympics in Tokyo.

Manchester United players practising their ball skills at Pennyhill Park – Manchester United website

A predominantly youthful side but experiences players are starting to return this summer…

Two players have returned to pre-season training ahead of the match against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday afternoon; Daniel James and Scott McTominay so Solskjaer will be seeking a way to get them involved in the match, giving them a chance to obtain match fitness ahead of the season commencing. The squad ahead of this match will be, starting with the goalkeepers; Lee Grant, Tom Heaton, Nathan Bishop and Matej Kovar, showing that Dean Henderson is not involved. The defence; Alex Telles, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe, Will Fish, Teden Mengi and Di’Shon Bernard.

In midfield; Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Daniel James, Facundo Pellistri, Nemanja Matic, Dylan Levitt, James Garner, Scott McTominay, Hannibal Mejbri and Ethan Galbraith and lastly, the attack; Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong, Shola Shoretire, Anthony Elanga and Joe Hugill. It is still a toughly squad, which is a good thing as Solskjaer will have more of an idea which players he could utilise as the season starts and which players will be seeking to complete a loan spell away from the club. In the coming weeks, United will be better stacked with the likes of David De Gea, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani and more returning.

Scott McTominay have a drink during a training session at Pennyhill Park – Manchester United website

Previous meetings with Queens Park Rangers and their connections with Manchester United…

United and QPR have met a total of 53 times competitively in the history of both clubs. United have won 34 times, drawing 13 times and losing just six times. The last loss against QPR was on the 1 January 1992 with the away side winning 4-1 with Brian McClair scoring United’s only goal of the match. Since then, a total of 17 matches have been played between the two clubs with United winning 14 times, with two runs of seven victories in a row, drawing three times. The last match between the two clubs was played on the 17 January 2015 and was a 2-0 victory for United with Marouane Fellaini and James Wilson scoring the goals.

There are no current QPR players who have played for United but there has been a few players with a United connection play for the London club. The two latest first team players to have left United for QPR were Ji-Sung Park, who left in the summer of 2012 and Rio Ferdinand, who left the club in the summer of 2014. Sean Goss, a player from United’s academy signed for QPR in the summer of 2016 and Will Keane was loaned to the club during part of the 2013/14 season. Fabio da Silva (2012/13), Federico Macheda (2012/13), Tom Heaton (2009/10) and Kieran Lee (2007/08) were also loaned to QPR. Paul Parker signed from QPR in 1991.

Tahith Chong, Alex Telles, Andreas Pereira, Facundo Pellistri and Juan Mata – Manchester United website

Predicted Starting XI: Mason Greenwood to keep his place against QPR with Anthony Elanga, Jesse Lingard and Facundo Pellistri supporting him?

Solskjaer will probably selected a similar XI against QPR as he did against Derby based on the players available in the training squad. United have been at Pennyhill Park in Surrey this week on a training camp ahead of the fixture. Both Daniel James and Scott McTominay joined the squad at the start of the week, so they will get some minutes in the match too. Mason Greenwood will keep his place as the striker, flanked by Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri with Jesse Lingard in behind him. This would be a good attacking game for the four players which could help get them up to speed for the new season, whether spent at United or elsewhere.

In midfield, a duo of James Garner and Nemanja Matic would be a good combo as both did well against Derby, despite not being on the pitch together. It would be good to see what the pair can do on the pitch together and it would benefit Garner, who could take Matic’s place in the squad in the not too distant future. In defence, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles could start in the fullback positions with Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi pairing again in the centre of defence. The pair did well against Derby, getting 60 minutes on the pitch, which could be the case once again on Saturday. In goal, Tom Heaton should start again, he did well against Derby.

Nemanja Matic taking it easy at Pennyhill Park during a training session – Manchester United website

Match Prediction: Another pre-season victory for United this weekend ahead of the first match to be played at Old Trafford this summer lies just days ahead with Brentford lying in wait.

This is expected to be another win for United during this pre-season, but that is not the point of these matches. It is all about fitness. As the summer continues, United will be upping the levels of their players ahead of the new season, which starts in just three weeks time. Solskjaer will be seeking to get all his players ready for the challenge that lies ahead. United will be seeking to get players with more minutes in their legs with some players on the pitch for 60 minutes this time and others getting just 45 minutes, or fewer. United have a good record against QPR and that should continue.

I think United will have more attacking power than QPR, even if the majority of the squad is the talented youth. Mason Greenwood could bag his first goal of the pre-season campaign but I think Facundo Pellistri will be seeking to get his name out there again following his strike against Derby County last weekend. The likes of Daniel James and Scott McTominay will be hoping to get minutes on the pitch in their first matches since representing Wales and Scotland respectively in Euro 2020 earlier this summer. Anthony Elanga could be a player that will find his feet in this match too. Come on United.

Queens Park Rangers 0-2 Manchester United

Written by John Walker

Filed Under: Feature, First Team, Managers, Match Previews, News, Opinion Tagged With: , , , , ,

copyright: JW