It's just a Pre-season match?

Clubs all over Europe prepare for the new season by playing friendly matches in front of their fans in foreign countries. Many people don’t take the Pre-season results seriously, but many players see it as an opportunity to prove their worth to the coach to avoid being sent out on loan to other clubs.

 With each club bringing in new players and coaches. Every club fan is excited to start the new season, maybe not all. Manchester United for one has been in the news for a long time for different reasons. It’s been clear that Frankie de jong is their top priority transfer but with Barcelona’s Financial crisis, it was obvious that Barcelona will try to milk as much money as possible from them, I won’t be surprised if Man U end up paying over £80 to get him. Moreover, not all players are after money, not qualifying for the champions league was bound to make things hard for Man u.

However, I feel what Ten hag needs is just a few transfers. With the money Manchester united has spent in recent years, it will be better to be cautious with the players they buy, maybe try with this team for a season and then take a step. Buying a lot of players will only bring in unnecessary pressure and expectations. Therefore, the Pre-season match against Liverpool was seen as a game meant to show a glimpse of what is to come.

Going into the match I knew it was a lose-lose game for Manchester united. No matter the result of the match, people will find a way to write off their performance, especially when the lineup came out and ETH fielded a strong team against Liverpool's team C, but we all know in Pre-season clubs can sub in as many players as they want so the likes of Mo Salah, Thiago, Arnold and co will still come in but regardless of the outcome Man U won’t receive the praise they deserve. And if they lose? The media and fans will be quick to lash them. The Headlines will be “Ten hag’s United loses against Liverpool’s academy players”, people won’t care that the Top players came in.

At the end of the match, Manchester United won 4-0 and as expected everyone said it isn’t a big deal. It’s just a “Pre-season”

Is it just a Pre-season?

First, I need to say I’m not a Man U fan, in fact, I’m one of their greatest critics so I’m writing this with no partial consideration towards/for them. So is it okay to say it’s just a Pre-season? I won’t say it’s right or wrong because when the season starts it’s going to be a different ball game but at the same time the Pre-season is meant to prepare the team ahead of the next season.

For United, it was more than a Pre-season match, at least for the young players fighting to prove to the coach that they deserve a place in the team.

Liverpool played 3 teams against Man U's 2

Liverpool had more options than United. After the first team played the first half, United sub out 10 players and then the keeper, while Liverpool had the luxury of fielding 3 different teams. If the first-half win was nothing due to the players Liverpool fielded in the first half. What do we say about the last 30 mins played by their first team players? 

With Mo Salah and other big players on the field, they couldn’t break down the young United team. The players showed cojones, players like Savage, Zidane Iqbal, Amad, and pellistri played with a confidence that belies their age. These players stood their ground against the Premier league’s best. Not only were they able to stop Liverpool from scoring, but they also scored a wonderful counter-attack goal spearheaded by the amazing Eric Bailly.

A little positive

I know many see the performance as nothing to be proud of since it’s just a Pre-season match but from the match, a little positive can be taken. If this team can catch up to ETH’s style of play on time, they might not compete for the trophy but they will be a force to reckon with next season.

Hope for good form

One player that will favour United a lot if he mange to stay in form is Eric Bailly, his surge from the defence led to the fourth goal, he has a more commanding presence in defence than other players. Another player I sincerely wish and pray for is Rashford. If he can rediscover his old form he will be one of the greatest winners in this new era of the club.

The most important aspect will be - if the players can play with more dedication, and less ego, United will do well. They need to lower their shoulder pad and not let the media get to them. Listen to the coach and forget who they were but focus on who they wish to become. Even after winning a couple of games, they should try to ignore the English press flattery words. If they can remain humble they will do great.

If Frankie’s transfer comes through it will even be better though report says he has agreed to leave Barcelona but refuses United due to UCL football. And also keep Ronaldo, then United fans should be ready for an exciting season.

 As Erik Ten hag said after the match "...It will take a lot of time" . Patience will be needed.

Conclusion

Liverpool gave United a 9-0 defeat in 180 mins last season and they may repeat it. Losing the Pre-season against United doesn’t mean the Merseyside club is out. Liverpool is still a great team and that 4-0 loss might be just a jab to the elbow which doesn’t hurt but to United’s resurging team it’s a great point scored in a boxing match. However, the effect of this match remains to be seen in the coming season.

Thanks for reading! ❤💚👿