It was business as usual at Old Trafford as Manchester United beat Lens in the penultimate pre-season game ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Reds probably felt that they were unlucky to go in 1-0 down at half-time, but Erik ten Hag’s side gave the perfect response after the break.
Marcus Rashford equalised from a sublime assist by Antony and the comeback was complete less than 10 minutes later as the Brazilian got his name on the scoresheet.
Fellow Brazil international Casemiro made it 3-1 when he guided home Marcus Rashford’s powerful header.
Without further ado, here are three observations from the game:
Defenders cannot afford lapses in concentration
The tabloid press will hammer Andre Onana for Lens’ opener because highlights of his first game at Old Trafford will show him getting chipped from the halfway line.
Ironically, it would be harsh to blame Onana for the goal because it came from United being sloppy in possession. Diogo Dalot gave away the ball in his own half and Lens saw Onana off his line.
Unfortunately, Onana was left exposed but this will show our defenders the consequences of lapses in concentration.
Dalot must do better.
Alejandro Garnacho caused havoc
Lens couldn’t get close to Garnacho. The Argentine forward attacked from the left-flank and took advantage of Bruno Fernandes’ range of passing.
Garnacho was without doubt United’s most dangerous player in the team, breezing past defenders defenders for fun and getting into good positions to shoot.
Key players to miss Dublin trip
Ten Hag fielded a strong side against Lens. It didn’t look like the manager was thinking about tomorrow’s game against Bilbao in Dublin, which will disappoint fans who expected to see their favourite players in action.
Ultimately, Ten Hag needs to decide what is best for the team ahead of the new season. I suspect a lot of today’s substitutes will start at the Aviva Stadium.
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United are not playing OUT from the back they are playing back or across and getting caught out.Best form of defence is attack get the ball forward and away from your own goal.
A
If that had been De Gea in goal you would have slated him for being chipped like that. A bit two faced to make excuses for Onana.
Nope. Dalot giving the ball away so sloppily should never have happened.
Surreal…
Onana should have paddle back when Man U lost possession