It is pre-season for teams across Europe, and it is always fascinating to see the different type of preparations clubs take.
Manchester United began by facing Rosenborg, a team in the midst of the Norwegian league season. This was a tough test in terms of fitness and sharpness and Rosenborg won 1-0.
Bayern Munich have a more leisurely approach. Every season they take on non-league side FC Rottach-Egern.
In 2022 they won the game 23-0. Last season they beat this scoreline, winning 27-0.
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Bayern win 14-1
This year’s friendly between Bayern Munich and FC Rottach-Egern couldn’t be described as competitive, but it was a lot closer than the last two seasons.
Bayern won the game 14-1, scoring 13 fewer than last season. They even allowed the minnows to get on the scoresheet midway through the first half.
Among the scorers was Manchester United transfer target Noussair Mazraoui, with the Morocco international netting in the first half.
Mazraoui scored Bayern’s sixth goal of the game. He played the first 45 minutes, with Bayern changing the entire team at half-time.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Mazraoui, who played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax.
The Times report Manchester United are considering Mazraoui, and believe he could ‘unlock’ his former teammate Antony on the right.
Mazraoui has had a bad injury record, which makes his signing a risk. On the positive side, at least he is getting some pre-season minutes in for Bayern, which don’t seem too strenuous.
De Ligt not involved
One player not involved for Bayern Munich was another Manchester United transfer target, Matthijs de Ligt.
Like Netherlands teammate Joshua Zirkzee, De Ligt is still in his FIFA mandated rest period following his involvement at Euro 2024.
De Ligt is keen on a move to Manchester United, but the two clubs have yet to agree a fee. United had a bid rejected earlier this week.
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