Erik ten Hag’s first two pre-season games have begun with both Fred and Scott McTominay in central midfield, and ended with Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage.
This could be symbolic of the change to come under new manager Erik ten Hag, with both 19-year-olds showing their quality in the opening two matches of the tour.
Iqbal and Savage made their debuts last December against Young Boys, and have had to wait for a chance since. Now they are getting one in pre-season under Erik ten Hag.
With Fred now 29, there is a real chance Zidane Iqbal phases him out of the side, which Charlie Savage could also replace Scott McTominay if he keeps on developing in the right direction.
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Iqbal and Savage shine
Manchester United’s midfield is undergoing a transformation, even if it doesn’t look like it immediately, with Fred and McTominay starting both pre-season matches.
United are chasing Frenkie de Jong, with Christian Eriksen also set to sign, and James Garner also due for a chance in midfield once he is fit.
Fred and McTominay will be squad players rather than essential starters, and ultimately they will both be replaceable.
It may take a couple of seasons for both players to be phased out, but there is a strong chance they will be, as Erik ten Hag looks to put his own stamp on the side.
Iqbal and Savage have shown they have real potential to be their replacements. Both players are good, technical footballers, calm on the ball and skilful – evidenced by each of them pirouetting on the ball in successive pre-season games.
Savage’s array of passing was on display against Melbourne, while Iqbal drove forward and probed around the penalty box.
Both players were really good in possession, helping United build momentum and rarely giving the ball away. Erik ten Hag will have liked the way the team controlled midfield in the second half with his two youngsters at the helm.
Each of them very clearly understood their roles too, with Savage dropping deep and Iqbal more box to box, and had a really nice balance to their partnership.
Savage in particular was content in his deep lying midfield role in a way McTominay has never been happy to just sit in, and this alone makes him a potentially better fit for what United need.
Changes won’t happen overnight of course. Both players or one of them could be sent out on loan next season. They will also have to prove they can cut it in the intensity of the Premier League, and sustain high levels of performance.
But the early signs are good, that United clearly have a couple of gems. If they can keep it up, a bright future in Manchester United’s midfield awaits.
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