The reds have kicked off pre-season with a victory, holding Rooney’s resilient Derby at bay.
It was a solid first 45 minutes in the uncharacteristic English summer heat, as United’s young squad led into the break. Heaton making his debut and Mata starting offered the experience, along with the likes of Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka, Williams and Greenwood playing from the start. Mengi, Levitt, Garner Elanga and Chong made up the numbers in the initial lineup.
The reds took a relatively prompt lead following on from a lively start, capitalising on Derby’s defensive frailties. Chong, who is set to move to Birmingham on loan for the upcoming season, used his desire to capitalise on some costly Derby errors. He crucially dispossessed Max Bird after a poor touch, gifted an opening to eventually bundle the ball past the goalkeeper after initial denial.
The United defence had some work to do, with former academy graduate Tom Lawrence missing from close range after finding space at the back post in one instant. Debutant Heaton was forced into action on a few occasions on his return to United. There weren’t too many opportunities for United at the other, with clear interchangeability and experimentation within the attacking three. Chong found himself through the middle and on each of the flanks at stages, with Elanga and Greenwood enduring spells as the lone striker as well as on the left and right respectively. Nonetheless, the attacking three did look lively. There was an apparent willingness to make runs in behind, likewise with the fullbacks.
Solskjaer didn’t deploy the 433 that is rumoured to be a favoured idea for the upcoming campaign, with Mata playing ahead of the Levitt and Garner pivot. I must say, that pair had an excellent natural understanding and offered a really good balance. They both proved confident to spread the play, catalysing some of our attacking moves from midfield.
The boss made wholesale changes for the second half, aside from keeping centre backs Mengi and Tuanzebe in the side - they were soon after withdrawn for Fish and Bernard. Grant stepped in for the impressive Heaton, whilst Galbraith and Telles stepped in at fullback. Matic took Mata’s armband and provided the anchor alongside the returning Pereira, with Lingard also back after his loan spell. Pellistri came on for his first appearance for the first team after joining last summer, with Shoretire stationed on the opposite left flank for the most part. Hugill, who had a stellar campaign in the reserve sides, made his first senior appearance through the middle before being replaced by Hannibal in the latter phases.
It was another lively showing from the get-go by the freshened-up United side. Pellistri started well and continually played an exceptional part on his first team debut, winning some early freekicks with his troubling dizzying running before actually doubling the reds’ advantage - really asserting his quality. Shoretire threaded through the young Uruguayan, who took the ball around the goalkeeper with sheer class and composure. It was a combination between two remarkable prospects, which is really a breath of fresh air!
It looked as though the players were enjoying their return to the pitch; there was a real desire to take the game to Derby, with a constant willingness to surge forward when on the ball from the likes of the rejuvenated Lingard. The Rams still occasionally showed positivity on the break, though it always came without avail with United disciplined enough to sweep away any danger. However, after several attempts to put pressure on United, a long range hit from Colin Kazim-Richards did beat Lee Grant into the bottom corner. The lack of pressure to counter Derby’s renewed determination was the first real cause for Ole’s concern.
After the initial momentum shift, United did regain some control even though Derby gained a renewed belief. Lingard struck the bar after a spectacular curling effort from range, epitomising the positivity shown from United in possession. As we expected, it was certainly a great opportunity for some of our young talent and ]fringe players to display themselves. Facundo Pellistri certainly aced the opportunity in the second half!
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