Manchester United are back at Old Trafford for the first time since May as they take on Brentford in their third pre-season game of the summer, having already faced Derby and Queens Park Rangers.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made two changes to the side which lost to Queens Park Rangers last week, with Anthony Elanga and Juan Mata making it into the side.
Solskjaer’s side started the game with fantastic intensity, pressing Brentford all over the pitch and they were rewarded after roughly 15 minutes when Elanga finished off an incredible team move with a sumptuous volley to give United the lead.
𝗔𝗪𝗕 𝘅 𝗘𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 👏
A well-worked, and expertly finished, opener by the Reds! 🔴#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 28, 2021
Footage courtesy of MUTV
It’s the young Swede’s second goal in as many games as he continues to impress. The former Malmö winger scored his first Premier League goal on the last day of the 2020/21 season.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has started all three games so far this season, is credited with the assist after putting a pinpoint cross into the penalty area.
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Time for James to be sold.
Back to Swansea hopefully, out of his depth at OT and lacks any skill
If the money is there after bringing in the players we want, and selling some who we really don’t need, why sell James? I know the knock on him, and at times his touches have been very disappointing. But I still think he could become something. He plays well for Wales, he is incredibly fast, he draws fouls, he’s young, and he is very eager and a popular guy in the dressing room. If Ole sees something in him and has the staff to work on him, why ship him? We’re not talking Pogba money. We’re signing who we need and if we move Jones and some others, then we lighten the wage bill. Like I said, I understand the criticism of him. But if half a dozen of his touches last season had been better, he’d be quite valued. Leeds certainly want him. And what about Lukaku’s first touch? It’s no wonder he wants to stay in Italy. If he comes back to EPL he will still get found out against the top sides, for the most part. He has done some good things the past year and deserves credit. But there are different ways to be overrated. As for Pogba, I agree that he and Martial have very poor attitudes and play for themselves. Pogba does not like to defend. His strokes of sheer brilliance are cancelled out by his hot and cold streaks and his dodgy workrate. Martial is a moody and very streaky player. He’s not a true 9 so he isn’t real backup for Eddy. And I will never forgive him for that game where he refused to warm up with the other players. Who could forget that? It says it all for me. Again, he is capable of brilliance. But at what cost? Bruno runs all day and gives you brilliance. Ditto Cavarni, Rashford when fit, Shaw etc. Sell them, get some money in, save on their ridiculous wages (Pogba is looking for 400K per week!) and buy a top midfielder. Red Devils forever!