Manchester United made a triumphant return to Old Trafford this summer after a whirlwind tour of the US, facing off against last season’s Ligue 1 runners-up, Lens.
However, a lackluster first-half performance threatened to overshadow United’s homecoming. Mason Mount missed a golden opportunity to open his United account, despite finding himself just yards away from an open goal.
In the meantime, Andre Onana continued to grapple with challenges as the club’s new No. 1 goalkeeper. His early positioning error in the first half allowed Florian Sotoca to put the visitors ahead.
United managed to turn the tide in the second half, with goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Casemiro. The hosts fought back from behind to secure victory in their penultimate pre-season game.
As the return of the Premier League rapidly approaches, Mail Sport offers insights into some of the takeaways from Saturday’s pre-season friendly.
Manchester United Triumphs in Penultimate Pre-Season Encounter Against Lens
Onana’s Risky Style of Play
While Andre Onana brings a host of advantages to Manchester United, there is an inherent peril in a goalkeeper straying so far from his goal, a vulnerability exposed during the Cameroonian’s debut in the 3-1 victory over Lens.
Onana’s adept ball-handling skills and his willingness to venture well beyond his box will undoubtedly enhance United’s build-up play, addressing an aspect that David de Gea often struggled with.
However, this approach also entails a potential drawback—when a move breaks down, Onana risks being caught out of position. This scenario unfolded in the first half at Old Trafford when Diogo Dalot’s errant pass handed possession to Florian Sotoca.
Seizing the opportunity, the Frenchman spotted United’s new goalkeeper considerably off his line and executed a masterful chip from 40 yards, leaving Onana scrambling to recover.
Erik ten Hag, who previously collaborated with Onana at Ajax, is likely to view this as an occupational hazard. The anticipation is that the benefits outweigh the associated risks.
Andre Onana’s Progressive Style Exposes Him as Lens Takes Early Lead
Mount’s Misfire Continues
Onana wasn’t the sole newcomer for United who encountered some initial challenges during his debut at Old Trafford.
Mason Mount has made a positive impression during pre-season since his £70 million move from Chelsea, injecting dynamism into United’s midfield, an aspect that Ten Hag believed was lacking.
However, in the 15th minute, Mount had a glaring opportunity to net his inaugural goal for United at Old Trafford, and he squandered it completely.
Bruno Fernandes delivered an exquisite crossfield pass to Alejandro Garnacho, who subsequently set up the ball for Mount. It appeared certain that United’s new £70 million man would find the net as he lined up a shot, but somehow, Mount failed to make meaningful contact, and the chance evaporated.
This was a minor setback for Mount, who managed to find humor in the situation. He is likely to remain confident that his first goal at Old Trafford will arrive before too long.
Mason Mount Misses Golden Chance to Score First Goal Since Chelsea Move
Hojlund’s Introduction
Rasmus Hojlund was presented to the Old Trafford crowd before kick-off, but United’s recent £72 million acquisition from Atalanta won’t be match-fit for the initial fixtures due to a minor pre-season injury.
United had already anticipated that Hojlund would require time to adjust to English football, especially with Marcus Rashford slated to kick off the campaign as the center-forward after his impressive tally of 30 goals in the previous season.
Rashford certainly displayed his readiness against Lens, netting United’s equalizer by capitalizing on Antony’s pass and sending the ball into the net with a slight deflection off Kevin Danso. Rashford then initiated a splendid sequence of play that concluded with Antony scoring the second goal from a delivery by Alejandro Garnacho. Casemiro added the third, though whether his header from Luke Shaw’s free kick was intentional remains debatable.
Some of United’s attacking maneuvers exhibited impressive fluidity, and Ten Hag will likely be pleased with the effective synergy among his forwards. Anthony Martial presents an additional option, but given his history of injuries, it’s improbable that the injury-prone Frenchman will achieve full fitness in time for the new season, particularly as he did not partake in United’s US tour.
