Manchester United lost on penalties in the Community Shield against Manchester City but the signs were positive for the Red Devils.
Amad Diallo was one of Manchester United’s bright sparks during the game at Wembley with the Ivorian set to start against Fulham next Friday.
It was certainly a tight game at Wembley Stadium, a stark contrast to United’s dramatic 2-1 victory over City in the FA Cup final back in May.
Marcus Rashford struck the post late on for the Red Devils. Alejandro Garnacho struck late on with a brilliant left-footed finish before Bernardo Silva netted a header at the back post.
Manchester United were not victorious in the penalty shootout against City but there were certainly positive signs for the Red Devils.
Amad Diallo magnificent on the right
It was a frustrating campaign for Amad last season with Erik ten Hag preferring Antony and Alejandro Garnacho so the Ivorian was left on the sidelines.
After a promising pre-season for the Red Devils, Amad was handed a starting role against Manchester City and looked terrific against Pep Guardiola’s men.
It was a fantastic team move, that was started by Amad, and should have been finished by the Ivorian but he was unselfish in his decision to lay it off for Mason Mount but it was ahead of the Englishman.
Amad was playing intricately with Mount, Fernandes and Casemiro and looked superb for the Red Devils.
Lisandro Martinez’s position hints to how United will line up
Earlier today, we got confirmation that United had struck an agreement with Bayern Munich to sign Matthijs De Ligt this summer.
Lisandro Martinez started for the Red Devils at left-back and this may well hint as to how Ten Hag plans to line up in defence.
With Martinez at left-back, United could have Diogo Dalot at right-back with De Ligt and Leny Yoro, once he’s fit at centre-back and the Argentine at left-back.
It would be an interesting decision from Ten Hag but for now, without Yoro, it would surely be De Ligt and Martinez with LukeShaw at left-back.
Mason Mount looks sharp against City
It isn’t only Amad Diallo who had a frustrating season but Mount also had a very disappointing debut campaign for the Red Devils.
Mount had a plethora of injury problems for the Red Devils but this campaign provides the former Chelsea midfielder with a clean slate and he looked sharp.
The Englishman has been one of United’s bright sparks during pre-season and he impressed against City as he was involved in some nice linkup play with the forward line and he could be in for an important season.
Casemiro looked back to his best
Casemiro came in for some heavy criticism last season with the Brazilian midfielder looking slow and sluggish and was caught out far too often.
This summer looked to be the end of the Brazilian with the Saudi Pro League reportedly interested but a move has not materialised.
Casemiro started against City and looked impressive. He played a nice one-two with Amad and the Ivorian should have done better.
His defensive play was much improved from last season and he needs a good start to the season if he is to stay at Old Trafford for the foreseeable.
Alejandro Garnacho does brilliantly for United
Last season, Garnacho was at a different level for the Red Devils and if this cameo against City is anything to go by, then it could be another big season for the academy graduate.
Coming in from the right, Garnacho took his goal wonderfully well against the Citizens with his left foot as the academy ace rifled into the bottom corner past Ederson.
United now have a plethora of options on the right for the first time in a long time and Garnacho, and indeed Amad, could be in for a key season.
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