It’s now two wins in two games for Manchester United on pre-season, after a 1-0 victory over Lyon in Edinburgh.
Erik ten Hag will be happy to see the team get another solid run out without any knocks or niggles to worry about. On top of that, we’ve kept consecutive clean sheets against Leeds and now Lyon.
Despite creating many chances in the first half, United failed to put the ball in the back of the net — much like the first friendly match in Oslo, a week ago.
It took just four minutes to open the scoring after the interval. Donny van de Beek wasted no time with a stunning volley to score the only goal.
Matej Kovar is one to watch
Manchester United are close to announcing the signing of Andre Onana, who will be our new No.1, but Kovar has shown in the early stages of pre-season that he deserves a chance in Ten Hag’s side. United may look to signing another shot-stopper as Onana’s back-up, but Kovar has been staking his claim for the upcoming season.
Jonny Evans makes first Manchester United appearance in 8 years
Evans came off the bench at half-time to slot in alongside Will Fish at centre-back. Erik ten Hag decided to utilise the veteran defender as he started his second stint as a United player, after signing a short-term contract to help the younger members of the squad during the pre-season tour. It looked like he had never been away, but Lyon hardly threatened United.
Understand Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and Altrincham are looking at MUFC's number 27, a central defender called Evans, against Lyon in Edinburgh today. (source: EltransferjunkiedeBari)
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) July 19, 2023
Still need a centre-forward
It’s only pre-season so we’re not throwing our toys out of the pram, but it’s been clear to see — for some time — that Ten Hag’s side lacks a quality centre-forward. Someone who can hold up play, get in the right positions, and find the back of the net when opportunities arise. Just imagine the amount of goals Harry Kane would score in this team… Amad Diallo started the match up front, while Joe Hugill took the role in the second half.
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To be fair it was a friendly but Evens still got it. I would give him a 1 year deal even at 35