Manchester United started their 2024 pre-season tour with a 1-0 defeat against Rosenborg on Monday. Jonny Evans took the responsibility of a post-match interview, where he tried to explain where it went wrong for a young side out in Norway.
The experienced centre-back, who recently signed a one-year extension, thinks United’s players were quieter than usual on the pitch against Rosenberg because they haven’t played together regularly.
It’s not a crazy suggestion. It’s noticeable when you start the season without key players or new signings taking part in pre-season. That is why it’s important to get your business done early, although that tends to be more difficult when major international tournaments are taking place during the summer.
Evans was one of five senior players to play the opening 45 minutes in the 1-0 loss against Rosenborg. He started the game along with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford.
Erik ten Hag had no other choice but to take a youthful squad to face the Norwegian side, but it’s a plus that everyone got minutes on the pitch and nobody came away from it injured. They should all benefit from it – regardless of the result.
Ronny Johnsen was on punditry duty for MUTV. He asked Evans why there was a lack of communication between United players.
“I think so,” Evans said when it was suggested if it was down to players being inexperienced, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “And the players haven’t actually played together that much, so it’s important you see the over picture and we’re tyring to gain fitness. Quite a lot of players are away at the Euros.
“Some will be back for the tour and some will be with us after, so the most important thing is to show a good attitude and get the fitness into as many players as you can.”
Evans added: “It was a good workout for us, they were quite sharp and aggressive, which is what you expect when teams play against United.
“They’re quite a few games into their season and you can feel that in their game with their passing and physicality, so it was good for us to get in at half-time at 0-0, but I’m just disappointed we didn’t see the game out at the end.”
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