Manchester United took on RC Lens today in the penultimate pre-season game ahead of the 2023-24 season.
United’s Old Trafford return didn’t get off to the best start, with Lens opening the scoring in the first-half which a goal from the halfway line.
Normal service was resumed in the second-half as Marcus Rashford clinically finished following Antony‘s through ball.
Then the comeback was complete less than ten minutes later as Antony scored, capitalising on Alejandro Garnacho‘s brilliant assist.
It was made 3-1 moments later as Casemiro’s head guided home Rashford’s initial header.
The game finished like this, which will have been a hugely encouraging result for everyone at the club.
Here are five things we learned…
Defenders can’t give ball away cheaply
Despite a hugely positive performance the silly goal conceded in the first-half can’t continue to happen.
Sloppy in possession Diogo Dalot gave Lens possession in a position they never should have got it in.
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This leaves the goalkeeper exposed unfairly as he had a brilliant game, the silly mistakes must not creep into the League or it could end up costing us.
Antony on fire
One player who’s stock has risen rapidly over pre-season is our Brazilian winger Antony.
Having struggled last season, this season a huge improvement was always expected and he seems to be responding.
Two goals and an assist in his last two games which were both against top quality competition, could it finally be clicking for Antony.
Huge role for Garnacho this season
Every time he plays it is more and more obvious that Garnacho is destined for a massive role this season.
He is consistently the most dangerous player in the team, and has defenders quaking in their boots.
He contributed an assist today but due to his direct dribbling, could have easily had much more.
Hojlund will have a field day
Prior to the game, Rasmus Hojlund was unveiled as a United player in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
He will have been watching closely at the performance and we imagine he will be relishing the chance to play in this team.
He should be seeing the amount of chances missed in the first half, and fancy himself to score most of these.
It will be amazing to have a proper forward leading the line, despite a good attacking performance.
All eyes on Wolves
With the first-team playing a large chunk against Lens, it’s unlikely that they will feature in Dublin tomorrow.
Therefore for Erik ten Hag and his first-team players, all eyes will now be on next Monday and Wolves.
This performance for large parts was the best we’ve seen this pre-season and should give loads of confidence ahead of the new season.