As Manchester United completes their pre-season and their first competitive game still some time away (August 10 if you consider Community Shield competitive, August 16 if not), it is time to look back at the pre-season.
There were five games, two wins, three losses, and numerous learnings from Man United’s pre-season.
So, here is part I of Man United’s pre-season player ratings where every defender (plus goalkeepers) who played in any game are assessed. Stay tuned for parts II and III, where we rate midfielders and attackers respectively…
Radek Vitek – 8
Radek Vitek played just one game, vs Rosenborg, and impressed greatly. Andre Onana returned shortly thereafter but Vitek is undoubtedly in line for a promotion to a higher-divison loan. One to watch out for.
Andre Onana – 7
Returned for United’s second game and played in all but one afterward. Composed in distribution, showed some good shot-stopping skills but kicking long is an issue. Hope for a much better second season.
Tom Heaton – 4
Played in United’s best performance of the pre-season vs Betis but was the worst performer in it, being at fault for both goals conceded. That ended up being his only appearance. He is firmly the third-choice/ambassadorial role at United.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5
Played the most minutes of any player in pre-season, perhaps puzzling because it risked Noussair Mazraoui’s deal. Failed to stand out in any even when playing alongside youngsters. No competition to Dalot.
Habeeb Ogunneye – 6
Would have been forgiven for feeling frustrated on missing the USA tour as Wan-Bissaka was the only natural right-back then. Arguably outshined his senior teammate in both games he played before the tour- Rosenborg and Rangers.
Jonny Evans – 5.5
Probably played more than he thought he would (Deja vu, United fans?) in the pre-season due to injuries. Made an appearance in all five games but his form tailed off as the quality of the opposition increased. Won’t be fair on him to expect another age-defying season.
Will Fish – 6
A solid but unspectacular pre-season ended with what looked like a serious injury vs Liverpool. Probably earned himself a move elsewhere but no standout moments mean he likely doesn’t have a future at the club.
Rhys Bennett – 6.5
Surpassed expectations as he traveled with the team for the USA tour and impressed against the likes of Liverpool. Was on loan at Stockport last season so expect a bigger challenge this season.
Sonny Aljofree – 6
Played just one game in pre-season, vs Rosenborg when half the team was unavailable. That was as good is as it got. He gave a decent account of himself.
Harry Maguire – 5
Rated low just because of lack of availability as he played just twice in five games. Missed Rosenborg and Rangers due to injury and was held out of the Liverpool game as a precaution. Had no moments of note vs Arsenal and Betis.
Victor Lindelof – 4.5
Missed the first three friendlies and played a half each against Betis and Liverpool. Was hooked off vs Liverpool as a precaution after just returning from injury. Lindelof will probably be sold this summer.
Leny Yoro – 7
Yoro gave a lot of hope but didn’t play enough to let it become a frenzy. His injury was the biggest dampener of United’s pre-season. Impressed against Rangers, and kept it going vs Arsenal before being forced off.
Sam Murray – 6.5
Began pre-season ahead of Harry Amass as he started vs Rosenborg and Rangers. Played well in both but things flipped in the USA, both status and form for the two. Will probably stay with the U21s this season or go on loan.
Harry Amass – 7.5
Bounced back from a tough opening game vs Rosenborg by playing well against Rangers and further improved displays against Premier League opposition in the USA. Amass is firmly in contention to challenge at least Tyrell Malacia, if not Luke Shaw this season. Just needs to improve his defensive game.
Special mention– James Scanlon – 4
It is not his fault that he gets 4/10 because he’s the only player who can make an appearance in two parts of this series. Naturally an attacker, he was puzzlingly played at right-back in the USA against elite opposition who tore him to shreds. Ten Hag even accepted the team let him down but the club did too when they didn’t take another right-back in the squad.
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