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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: , , , , ,

Ratings: United beat Derby 2-1; Chong and Pellistri score with Heaton, Elanga, Mata and Shoretire also doing well

18 July 2021 by

Manchester United beat Derby County 2-1 at Pride Park in the opening pre-season match this summer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side was youthful, in both halves but they did the job and got the win, although fitness was the main thing to gain from the match. Tahith Chong opened the scoring in the 18th minute of the match with Tom Heaton making a few good saves in the first half. Facundo Pellistri scored United’s second goal, assisted by Shola Shoretire in the 59th minute. Colin Karim-Richards scored a consolation for the home side in the 70th minute of the match. Queens Park Rangers are next for United, playing on Saturday afternoon.

It was a good opening display from both United and Derby in their opening friendly of the summer. Solskjaer named a very young side with little experience but the signs were good from the off. Derby did try to get something from United in the early stages of the match by Tom Heaton made a good save to deny the home side from taking the lead. United then started to get themselves into the match, pushing forward through Juan Mata, who looks like he still has something to give this team, even if it is just experience. Derby nipped the attack down by Tahith Chong managed to punish the defender, grabbing the ball and slotting it into the back of the net to put United ahead in the 18th minute.

Juan Mata congratulates Tahith Chong for opening the scoring against Derby County

In the 37th minute of the match, approximately 20 minutes after the United goal, derby were building something in the United box, putting pressure on the defence. Heaton, once again, made a superb save to deny the home side from levelling the score. It just goes to show that even with a majority youth team on the pitch, United still have what it takes to get the better of some teams. Derby will no doubt be frustrated so far not to get a goal back, having ample opportunity to do so. United then started to pressure Derby once again, sitting on the edge of their box, pushing forward to find another opening. The half ended with United still 1-0 up after a decent first half for this toughly United team.

At the start of the second half, Solskjaer made nine changes to his starting XI. Lee Grant replaced Heaton, Ethan Galbraith, Alex Telles, Nemanja Matic, Andreas Pereira, Shola Shoretire, Facundo Pellistri, Jesse Lingard and Joe Hugill replacing Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams, James Garner, Dylan Levitt, Anthony Elanga, Juan Mata, Tahth Chong, and Mason Greenwood. It did not take long for United to double their lead with Pellistri, who spent last season on loan with Alaves in Spain, putting United 2-0 up in the 60th minute of the match. It was a good finish for the Uruguayan. Solskjaer made two further substitutions with Di’Shon Bernard and Will Fish replacing Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi.

Facundo Pellistri scores Manchester United’s second goal against Derby County

Derby got a goal back in the 70th minute of the match with Colin Karim-Richards thundering an effort past Lee Grant, who used to play for Derby before signing for United a few years back. The goalkeeper could not stop the effort from hitting the back of the net, which excited the Derby supporters in the stadium. Minutes later, Jesse Lingard almost restored the two-goal cushion for United, launching a strike on goal, which hit the crossbar and went back out into play. It was an unfortunate miss for the former academy player, who had a good loan spell with West Ham United in the second half of last season. It was a shame he did not score the goal, or the chance he had later in the match.

United had a few chances to score more goals but they never came. Derby seemed to tail off after their goal, which will give Wayne Rooney some problems ahead of the season commencing. He will be impressed with Teden Mengi, who he will want at Derby for the new season and Solskjaer will allow that to happen as the lad is a good prospect and will be seeking to achieve in the not too distant future. The match ended 2-1 to United with Tahith Chong and Facundo Pellistri scoring the goals and Colin Kazim-Richards scoring the consolation for the home side. United face Queens Park Rangers next Saturday in their second pre-season match. They will then face Brentford and Everton at Old Trafford with a trip to Preston North End in between.

Manchester United

22 Tom Heaton

Made a few good saves to deny Derby in the first half of the match, which gives the impression that Heaton is not here to be third choice goalkeeper. Replaced by Grant in the 46th minute.

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29 Aaron Wan-Bissaka

His defensive work rate is great but in an attacking sense, he needs to start improving on his crosses. However, with Jadon Sancho set to arrive this summer, this might help him, especially on the right flank. Replaced by Galbraith in the 46th minute.

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38 Axel Tuanzebe

Played 60 minutes against Derby and did well defensively. I like Tuanzebe and think he's better than Jones but he's not played many minutes of late, which is why a loan spell seems to be a big option. Replaced by Bernard in the 60th minute.

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43 Teden Mengi

Played well against Derby, the club he was on loan with last season. A great prospect in defence for United. Solskjaer will be proud of him. Replaced by Fish in the 60th minute.

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33 Brandon Williams

Guilty of some rash challenges, as has been the case when he has played. If he gets rid of that from his game, he might be more of a choice at the club. Did well in the first half though. Replaced by Telles in the 46th minute.

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37 James Garner

Put in a shift in the midfield in what could be a breakthrough season for him. A loan spell could be the best option but you never know what Solskjaer has planned. Did well against Derby. Replaced by Matic in the 46th minute.

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35 Dylan Levitt

Played well against Derby following his loan spell away from United last season. Will be seeking another chance this season. Did what he needed to do as United led in the first half. Replaced by Pereira in the 46th minute.

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36 Anthony Elanga

Looks to be a start coming through the ranks and will get minutes this season, if he stays at United. A loan spell could be good for him though. His runs were top notch, as was seen in the last Premier League match last season. Replaced by Shoretire in the 46th minute.

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8 Juan Mata

Looked to still be seeking to offer something to United, even if it just ends up to be experience and leadership. His footballing brain is still working well. Started United's attack for the opener, but was disposed with Chong getting the ball and scoring. Replaced by Pellistri in the 46th minute.

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44 Tahith Chong

Opened the scoring in the 18th minute of the match. Mata started the attack but was dispossessed and Chong then bullied the defender, won the ball and found the back of the net easily. It was a good demonstration of his skill and ability. He will show more at Birmingham City on loan this season. Replaced by Lingard in the 46th minute.

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11 Mason Greenwood

Made many runs against Derby but in terms of scoring goals, it is early days for the teenager. He will grow in fitness and stature as the weeks progress. Replaced by Hugill in the 46th minute.

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Substitutes

13 Lee Grant

Replaced Heaton 46'. Conceded United's first goal in the 70th minute through Kazim-Richards. He was not going to save that though.

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54 Ethan Galbraith

Replaced Wan-Bissaka 46'. Played at right-back which is one of the many positions that he can play. Did well against Derby.

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27 Alex Telles

Replaced Williams 46'. Set pieces, he is good but had a chance to score in the opening stages of the first half, but missed. Good left-back to have in the squad though to give Shaw a rest now and again.

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15 Andreas Pereira

Replaced Levitt 46'. He normally turns up in pre-season but in this game, he did not. Not sure what his future has to offer him, but it won't be at United, most likely.

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31 Nemanja Matic

Replaced Garner 46'. Was the most experienced player on the pitch in the second half, at least outfield. Did well against Derby and will be pleased with his fitness levels.

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47 Shola Shoretire

Replaced Elanga 46'. Played in a great ball to Pellistri for him to find United's second goal of the game. A real talent in this squad and Solskjaer will have big plans for him this season.

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28 Facundo Pellistri

Replaced Mata 46'. Got United's second goal minutes after coming on, played in by Shoretire and slotted him to aplomb. A great talent to have, even if he will be loaned against to Alaves, or wherever.

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14 Jesse Lingard

Replaced Chong 46'. Could have scored United's third, after conceding one, but he hit the crossbar. Will be annoyed about that.

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52 Joe Hugill

Replaced Greenwood 46'. Came on at the start of the second half. Did not seem to fit into the game and was replaced by Hannibal in the 79th minute of the match.

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48 Will Fish

Replaced Mengi 60'. Did well in the second half. Conceded a goal though but fitness is the major issue here. It was a win for United though.

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58 Di’Shon Bernard

Replaced Tuanzebe 60'. Did well for 30 minutes or so. United conceded after the defensive change was made but this will give the pair (Bernard and Fish) more experience for the future.

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46 Hannibal Mejbri

Replaced Hugill 79'. Brought more energy to the team after replacing Hugill. United had more of the ball but could not do anything with it. Early days for him though, and United.

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Goals: Colin Kazim-Richards 70′; Tahith Chong 18′, Facundo Pellistri 59′

Assists: Isaac Hutchinson 70′; Shola Shoretire 59′

Manchester United: Heaton (Grant 46′); Wan-Bissaka (Galbraith 46′), Tuanzebe (Bernard 60′), Mengi (Fish 60′), Williams (Telles 46′); Garner (Matic 46′), Levitt (Pereira 46′); Elanga (Shoretire 46′), Mata (Pellistri 46′), Chong (Lingard 46′); Greenwood (Hugill 46′ (Hannibal 79′)

Substitutes Not Used: Bishop

Bookings: Lee Buchanan 55′, Louie Sibley 68′

Written by John Walker

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

Confirmed XI: Greenwood, Chong, Elanga, Levitt and Garner start against Derby

18 July 2021 by

Manchester United start their pre-season campaign against Derby County at Pride Park on Sunday afternoon. It will be the first pre-season campaign since the summer of 2019 when United faced Perth Glory and Leeds United in Perth, Australia, Inter Milan in Singapore, Tottenham Hotspur in Shanghai, Kristiansund in Oslo, Norway and AC Milan in Cardiff, Wales. United played just one pre-season match last summer, losing to Aston Villa at Villa Park a week before their season started. This did not help United prepare for the new season, which started poorly for United as they were beaten three times, drawing once and winning twice in three opening six matches. However, the season ended on a better note than it started.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be seeking to get something started for his team this summer, getting the majority of the team fit and ready to face Leeds United at Old Trafford in the opening Premier League match which will be played on Saturday 14 August 2021 at 12:30. Because of Euro 2020 and the Copa America, which were both delayed from last summer, Solskjaer will be without many of his first team players for this match, including David De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Daniel James, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani, plus Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo will be representing the Ivory Coast at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer.

Manchester United:

Heaton;

Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mengi, Williams;

Garner, Levitt;

Elanga, Mata, Chong;

Greenwood

Substitutes:

Grant, Bishop; Telles, Fish; Lingard, Pereira, Pellistri, Matic, Hannibal, Galbraith, Bernard, Shoretire; Hugill

Derby County:

Roos;

Byrne, Jagielka, Davies, Buchanan;

Bird, Shinnie,

Aluko, Lawrence, Morrison;

Baldock

Substitutes:

Marshall, Allsop, Forsyth, Williams, Kazim-Richards, Sibley, Hutchinson, Ebosele, McDonald, Knight, Thompson, Watson

United and Derby have met many times in the history of both clubs with a total of 108 competitive matches between the two clubs. United have won 47 times, drawing 29 times with Derby taking the victory 32 times. United last met Derby in the Emirates FA Cup back in March 2020 with Solskjaer’s side winning 3-0 with goals scored by Luke Shaw and a brace from Odion Ighalo, who has now left the club. Derby beat United in the prior match, which was in the Carabao Cup, a 2-2 draw with Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini both scoring but losing 8-7 on penalties after Sergio Romero was sent off and Lee Grant making his competitive debut for the club. Phil Jones saw his penalty saved, which was the end of the road for United in the competition that season.

Wayne Rooney is currently the manager of Derby and has been at the club since August 2019, after returning from the MLS side DC United. Rooney was a player coach but was not eligible to play until January 2020. He was made the interim manager of the Championship club following the sacking of Phillip Cocu. On the 15 January 2021, Rooney retired as a player, focusing on managing Derby for the remainder of the season. His side evaded relegation on the final day of the 2020/21 season, keeping the club in the Championship for at least another season. Derby currently have former United player Tom Lawrence at the club and Teden Mengi was on loan there last season, with the club wanting him again. Ravel Morrison is currently training with Derby.

Written by John Walker

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

Predicted XI: Heaton, Tuanzebe, Garner, Elanga and Greenwood to start against Derby County?

17 July 2021 by

Manchester United start their pre-season campaign against Derby County at Pride Park on Sunday afternoon. It will be the first pre-season campaign since the summer of 2019 when United faced Perth Glory and Leeds United in Perth, Australia, Inter Milan in Singapore, Tottenham Hotspur in Shanghai, Kristiansund in Oslo, Norway and AC Milan in Cardiff, Wales. United played just one pre-season match last summer, losing to Aston Villa at Villa Park a week before their season started. This did not help United prepare for the new season, which started poorly for United as they were beaten three times, drawing once and winning twice in three opening six matches. However, the season ended on a better note than it started.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be seeking to get something started for his team this summer, getting the majority of the team fit and ready to face Leeds United at Old Trafford in the opening Premier League match which will be played on Saturday 14 August 2021 at 12:30. Because of Euro 2020 and the Copa America, which were both delayed from last summer, Solskjaer will be without many of his first team players for this match, including David De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Daniel James, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani, plus Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo will be representing the Ivory Coast at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer.

Andreas Pereira, Juan Mata, Will Fish, Axel Tuanzebe and Alex Telles – Manchester United website

How United have faired against Derby County.

United and Derby have met many times in the history of both clubs with a total of 108 competitive matches between the two clubs. United have won 47 times, drawing 29 times with Derby taking the victory 32 times. United last met Derby in the Emirates FA Cup back in March 2020 with Solskjaer’s side winning 3-0 with goals scored by Luke Shaw and a brace from Odion Ighalo, who has now left the club. Derby beat United in the prior match, which was in the Carabao Cup, a 2-2 draw with Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini both scoring but losing 8-7 on penalties after Sergio Romero was sent off and Lee Grant making his competitive debut for the club. Phil Jones saw his penalty saved, which was the end of the road for United in the competition that season.

Wayne Rooney is currently the manager of Derby and has been at the club since August 2019, after returning from the MLS side DC United. Rooney was a player coach but was not eligible to play until January 2020. He was made the interim manager of the Championship club following the sacking of Phillip Cocu. On the 15 January 2021, Rooney retired as a player, focusing on managing Derby for the remainder of the season. His side evaded relegation on the final day of the 2020/21 season, keeping the club in the Championship for at least another season. Derby currently have former United player Tom Lawrence at the club and Teden Mengi was on loan there last season, with the club wanting him again. Ravel Morrison is currently training with Derby.

Here is my predicted starting XI to face Derby County in their pre-season friendly at Pride Park on Sunday afternoon…

Goalkeeper: Tom Heaton

Tom Heaton came through Manchester United’s academy and was a United player from 2002 until 2010 but never represented the club competitively. Re-signing for the club this summer as a free agent, Heaton will be able to put on his gloves for the club, perhaps for the first time competitively. There is somewhat a goalkeeping dilemma at the club with David De Gea and Dean Henderson seeking to be the first choice goalkeeper at the club and Lee Grant signing a new contract, it would see that Heaton could have been brought in to add some experience, for instance if De Gea leaves the club. It is expected that Heaton could start against Derby County this weekend, which Henderson overcoming an injury, De Gea on holiday and Grant already playing a lesser role at the club. Heaton played 200 times for Burnley, performing well against United at times.

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

United will be without the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw for the first few matches of pre-season because of their involvement in Euro 2020. Against Derby, there will be an experienced defence with possible Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles playing in the fullback positions but with Axel Tuanzebe and Teden Mengi starting in the centre of the back four. Eric Bailly is also out of action because of his involvement in the Olympics for the Ivory Coast. Will Fish and Brandon Williams could also find some involvement in this match, but Phil Jones looks set to miss it, having not been seen training with his teammates this week, which does not look good for his future at the club. Perhaps he is still getting over his knee injury, which kept him out of the entire 2020/21 season with him last featuring for United in January 2020.

Midfield: Andreas Pereira, James Garner

Solskjaer will be missing Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay and Fred because of their involvement in Euro 2020 and Copa America. Nemanja Matic has been readying himself for the new season and could well start against Derby but I think the due of Andreas Pereira and James Garner have a better chance of starting as both players will need to secure loan spells away from United as Garner looks to gain more experience, preferably in the Premier League and Pereira will be surplus to requirements once again. This could be a good match for Garner as he will be able to show Solskjaer what he’s got in his locker and with United not having another defence midfielder at the club, other than Matic, Garner could carve out a place in the first team. A season of playing in the Premier League, on loan, would give him much more ahead of the 2022/23 season at the club.

Attacking Midfield: Facundo Pellistri, Juan Mata, Anthony Elanga

Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Daniel James are out of action because of their involvement in Euro 2020 and Anthony Martial is still overcoming an injury which kept him out for the end of last season. Solskjaer will have more fringe and youth players than he will have experience for this first game of pre-season. Facundo Pellistri could start on the right-wing against Derby with Juan Mata slotting in the middle of the three behind the striker. Anthony Elanga could feature on the left-wing, which would be good to see as he was given minutes at the end of the season with United confirming their second-placed finish in the Premier League with many first team players rested for the UEFA Europa League final. The likes of Jesse Lingard, Hannibal Mejbri, Shola Shoretire, and Tahith Chong could well feature in this match, which would also be good to see.

Forwards: Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood is the only experienced forward who could play in this position against Derby. Edinson Cavani is missing because of his involvement in Copa America, Martial is returning from a knee injury and Rashford is out because of his involvement in Euro 2020, which saw England reach the final, only to be beaten by Italy on penalties. Greenwood has been playing a wide role of late but has featured as the main striker on a number of occasions and that is probably the position that he will end up playing at some point in his career. Solskjaer wants it, United want it, the fans want it and the player wants it too. Joe Hugill, who rose to fame in the academy last season, could feature against Derby, which would be good to see as his goalscoring antics were impressive last season, finishing with 16 goals and three assists at both U23 and U18 level last season.

Substitutes: Lee Grant, Dean Henderson; Brandon Williams, Will Fish; Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Hannibal Mejbri, Di’Shon Bernard, Shola Shoretire, Ethan Galbraith; Tahith Chong, Joe Hugill

There are likely to be many substitutions against Derby with Solskjaer seeking to give most of the players that are available to him a run out against the Championship side. Both Lee Grant and Dean Henderson could be available in goal with Brandon Williams and Will Fish in the defensive positions. In midfield, United have the most players available with Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic, Hannibal Mejbri, Di’Shon Bernard, Shola Shoretire and Ethan Galbraith all available. In the attacking positions, Tahith Chong and Joe Hugill could play a part in the match. Obviously, this squad has been built by the players who have been training this week and there could well be more additions or some players not being involved at all. In the coming weeks, United will start to welcome back the more experienced players so they can get the new season started.

Written by John Walker

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

Preview: Manchester United to up fitness levels against Derby County

16 July 2021 by

Derby County -v- Manchester United

Pre-Season 2021/22

Pride Park, Derby

Sunday 18 July 2021, KO 13:00 BST

Manchester United start their pre-season campaign against Derby County at Pride Park on Sunday afternoon. It will be the first pre-season campaign since the summer of 2019 when United faced Perth Glory and Leeds United in Perth, Australia, Inter Milan in Singapore, Tottenham Hotspur in Shanghai, Kristiansund in Oslo, Norway and AC Milan in Cardiff, Wales. United played just one pre-season match last summer, losing to Aston Villa at Villa Park a week before their season started. This did not help United prepare for the new season, which started poorly for United as they were beaten three times, drawing once and winning twice in three opening six matches. However, the season ended on a better note than it started.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be seeking to get something started for his team this summer, getting the majority of the team fit and ready to face Leeds United at Old Trafford in the opening Premier League match which will be played on Saturday 14 August 2021 at 12:30. Because of Euro 2020 and the Copa America, which were both delayed from last summer, Solskjaer will be without many of his first team players for this match, including David De Gea, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Daniel James, Marcus Rashford and Edinson Cavani, plus Eric Bailly and Amad Diallo will be representing the Ivory Coast at the Olympics in Tokyo this summer.

Nathan Bishop, Lee Grant, Matej Kovar, Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton – Manchester United website

A summer of changes but a first pre-season match with fringe players and youth is exciting…

This summer, there will be many changes to the United squad with Jadon Sancho waiting to be announced as a United player and moves for both Raphaël Varane and Kieran Trippier hotting up in the background. With speculation linking Paul Pogba to Paris Saint-Germain, United have also been linked to Houssem Aouar this summer, but it is expected that a move for a defensive minded instead as that would be a position that would allow the formation to be changed with United playing a more attacking brand of football next season. That said, there is still a lot of time in the summer transfer window for anything to happen and the fact that Sancho, Varane and Trippier seem likely would be the start of a good summer for United.

During the course of the week, there have been many players training ahead of the first pre-season match of the summer. New goalkeeper signing Tom Heaton is expected to make an appearance for United, but also Lee Grant, Dean Henderson, Nathan Bishop and Matej Kovar have been readying themselves too. In defence, Alex Telles, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams, Axel Tuanzebe, Will Fish and Teden Mengi have been involved. In midfield, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira, Facundo Pellistri, Nemanja Matic, James Garner, Di’Shon Bernard, Shola Shoretire, Hannibal Mejbri, Ethan Galbraith and in attack, Mason Greenwood, Tahith Chong, Anthony Elanga, Joe Hugill were all pictured, which could make for an exciting mix of players for this first pre-season match.

Andreas Pereira, Juan Mata, Will Fish, Axel Tuanzebe and Alex Telles – Manchester United website

Previous meetings with Derby County and their Manchester United connections…

United and Derby have met many times in the history of both clubs with a total of 108 competitive matches between the two clubs. United have won 47 times, drawing 29 times with Derby taking the victory 32 times. United last met Derby in the Emirates FA Cup back in March 2020 with Solskjaer’s side winning 3-0 with goals scored by Luke Shaw and a brace from Odion Ighalo, who has now left the club. Derby beat United in the prior match, which was in the Carabao Cup, a 2-2 draw with Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini both scoring but losing 8-7 on penalties after Sergio Romero was sent off and Lee Grant making his competitive debut for the club. Phil Jones saw his penalty saved, which was the end of the road for United in the competition that season.

Wayne Rooney is currently the manager of Derby and has been at the club since August 2019, after returning from the MLS side DC United. Rooney was a player coach but was not eligible to play until January 2020. He was made the interim manager of the Championship club following the sacking of Phillip Cocu. On the 15 January 2021, Rooney retired as a player, focusing on managing Derby for the remainder of the season. His side evaded relegation on the final day of the 2020/21 season, keeping the club in the Championship for at least another season. Derby currently have former United player Tom Lawrence at the club and Teden Mengi was on loan there last season, with the club wanting him again. Ravel Morrison is currently training with Derby.

Joe Hugill, Ethan Galbraith, Tahith Chong, Mason Greenwood and Shola Shoretire – Manchester United website

Predicted Starting XI: Juan Mata to captain United, Mason Greenwood to spearhead United’s attack, flanked by Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri?

Solskjaer has few options at this stage of the pre-season campaign, which is an exciting prospect. Of course, this stage of the summer is not about winning, it is about fitness and unlike last season, United will be seeking to make some waves ahead of the Premier League opener against Leeds United at the Theatre of Dreams. With both Euro 2020 and the Copa America seeing many senior players out of action with all missing the first match, but others coming back in dribs and drabs between now and the final two pre-season matches, giving some promising youth players some involvement ahead of prospective loan spells away from the club or getting ready for the U18 and U23 seasons starting.

The squad for this match has been prepared based on the players who have been seen in training earlier in the week. It is quite possibly a fact that more players will have been present, but were not photographed for whatever reason. Solskjaer will have a number of players heading to Derby for Sunday’s clash and hopefully the likes of Hannibal Mejbri, Alvaro Fernandez, Ethan Laird, Zidane Iqbal, Isak Hansen and Joe Hugill could have some involvement. United had 23 players training earlier in the week, so that might end up being the squad, however, in that group of players was five goalkeepers, which might be a bit much so some outfield players will need to be added to the squad so there can be many changes, allowing all players time on the pitch.

Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Manchester United website

Match Prediction: Pre-season is not about winning – it is all about fitness and after last season’s preparation, United will be doing things properly.

Both United and Derby will be looking at this fixture in the same manner – being about fitness than winning. See football supporters expect United to win every match they play, even in pre-season, which seems a bit weird. There will be supporters at Pride Park on Sunday, both home and away and it will be good to see something like that after the past 19 months, which has seen the majority of matches played behind closed doors. It will be good to see club football make it’s return after Euro 2020 and the first pre-season campaign in two years, which should see a majority squad of youth players get some minutes under their belt. Obviously it would be great if United won and many players put their names in lights.

Rooney and Solskjaer will be looking to see the best of their squads, at least the players that they have available for the match on Sunday and the supporters, for both sides, will be looking to make a noise in the stadium and show the players that they are still there to support them. As fitness is the main part of these matches, both managers will be seeking to get at least 60 minutes out of some players to get the prepared for the new season. United will have more first team players available for later matches this summer, with some returning before the clash with Queens Park Rangers. The majority of the squad will be available for the final two matches – against Preston North End (away) and Everton (home).

Derby County 0-3 Manchester United

Written by John Walker

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

copyright: JW