Manchester United faced a disappointing start to their preseason campaign with a 1-0 loss against Norwegian side Rosenborg. The game, played in Trondheim, Norway, saw the hosts emerge victorious with a last-minute goal from Noah Holm. Despite the effort put in by United’s players, the team ended up being outshot 22-5, highlighting some clear weaknesses that need to be addressed.
One of the factors that may have contributed to Manchester United’s lackluster performance is the absence of several key players who have yet to return to the team after participating in this summer’s European Championship and Copa América. This left coach Erik ten Hag with a challenging task of fielding a mix of young talents and experienced regulars like Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Defensive Struggles
Czechia goalkeeper Radek Vítek put up a commendable performance, making several crucial saves to keep Rosenborg at bay until the last-minute winner. However, the fact that United conceded 58 goals in the previous season and finished eighth in the Premier League is a clear indication that defensive improvements are necessary. This preseason loss only serves to highlight the importance of shoring up their defense.
Despite the setback, Manchester United’s preseason preparations are set to continue with a friendly match against Rangers in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 20. The team will then head to the U.S. for a tour that includes games against Arsenal at SoFi Stadium in California and Real Betis at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. The tour will be followed by a final warmup match against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Aug. 3 before kicking off their season in the Community Shield against Manchester City on Aug. 10. The Premier League campaign will begin on Aug. 16 with a home game against Fulham.
Manchester United’s early struggles in preseason serve as a wake-up call for the team as they aim to address their weaknesses and build momentum heading into the new season. With key players yet to return and defensive issues to resolve, coach Erik ten Hag has his work cut out for him. The upcoming fixtures will provide valuable opportunities for the team to regroup, improve, and come back stronger as they look to compete at the highest level.
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