After rating the defenders and midfielders of Manchester United upon the completion of the pre-season, we move to attackers.
It was arguably the area that saw the most movement and has the scope for further moves too as returning international stars will shake up the scene.
Rasmus Hojlund’s injury threw a wrench in Erik ten Hag’s plan, and Rangers and Rosenborg provided an opportunity for youngsters to impress.
Here are all the attackers who played in United’s pre-season rated out of 10 –
Ethan Williams – 5
Only played against Rosenborg as Amad’s return pushed him out of the team. Showed some good touches vs the Norwegian opposition but being completely sidelined since shows how far behind he is in the pecking order at present.
Ethan Ennis – 6
Fared better than Williams if only because he played both games before the USA tour. Was brave and inventive vs Rosenborg when the rest of the attack was laboured but couldn’t repeat that against Rangers. A big season in U21s awaits after returning from injury.
Sam Mather – 6.5
Started the pre-season by unexpectedly being left out altogether vs Rosenborg but ended by being one of the few academy attackers who took to the pitch multiple times in the USA. Did well against Rangers but didn’t have much time to impress in the USA. Still, the fact he traveled and played at all reflects Ten Hag’s confidence in him.
Marcus Rashford – 8
Played four out of five games, missing the one against Rangers. Marcus Rashford was a threat in every game he played, a departure from how he ended the last season. Took people on, played threatening passes, and had a goal and an assist to show for his efforts. United need this version of the player to have success.
- READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace
Jadon Sancho – 7
Jadon Sancho didn’t set the world alight in any of the four games he played but the fact he played four times is unbelievable in itself considering the state of affairs at the start of the season. Ten Hag repeated last pre-season’s trick of playing him as a false striker and he impressed. Can be a crucial piece knowing how many games United will play this season.
Amad – 10
Missed the first game vs Rosenborg but made up for it and then some with breathtaking displays in the rest four games. Looked like a man on a mission throughout the pre-season as he grabbed that right-wing spot by the scruff of its neck and made it his own. Goals and assists followed but what pleased the most was how comfortable he looked at the top level. United have a new untouchable for now.
Antony – 3
Antony’s descent has coincided with Amad’s emergence, the result of which is that the Brazilian looks even worse than he did last season. Played in all three games, but struggled in all three games. Came off vs Liverpool in the last one with an injury issue but it looked like an act of mercy by that point. Faces a tall task to save his United career at this rate.
Joe Hugill – 6.5
Struggled against Rosenborg, scored against Rangers, and was sent on loan to Wigan afterwards, where he scored on his first start too (friendly). Hugill is a goalscorer, pure and simple. If he’s not scoring, he’s not doing much else which might be a hindrance to a top-level career. All eyes will be on him in League One.
Ethan Wheatley – 6
Wheatley stands to be the biggest loser from Chido Obi-Martin’s prospective signing and nothing he did in pre-season said that shouldn’t be the case. Started well vs Rangers and Rosenborg but as the level of opposition increased, his influence and importance decreased. Should probably go on loan to polish his game further.
Rasmus Hojlund – 7
Hojlund played just ten minutes of pre-season but it was a glorious time! His goal against Arsenal was a brute centre-forward with silky touch at his very best. The potential is tantalising but injury proneness worries everyone. A fit Dane has the potential to be among the very best.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/vXpOJ8P