With many of his first-team regulars away, Jose Mourinho has had to adapt and use what’s left on the roster during Manchester United’s pre-season tour of America. As it turns out, two of the most experienced players he’s got actually form an intimidating partnership up front.
Alexis Sanchez – Juan Mata remarkable chemistry
Alexis Sanchez and Juan Mata linked up several times during the 90 minutes they spent together on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch in Miami and looked like they’ve been playing alongside each other since they were kids. The Chilean and Ander Herrera scored the first two goals of the contest before Karim Benzema reduced Manchester’s lead to 2-1. The result remained unchanged until the end. Herrera and new signing Fred also looked comfortable in United’s midfield.
These were the first encouraging signs in a complicated pre-season for The Red Devils, yet Jose Mourinho was not impressed.
“I didn’t learn anything (from this tour),”
“I know what Herrera, Mata and Sànchez are, I know the kids are very young and need time to grow up. The boys gave everything and we tried to fight for the best result, but tactically it means nothing.”
So those anticipating a Sanchez, Mata and Herrera lineup at the start the season shouldn’t get their hopes up.
The Portuguese manager said he was unsure when and whether Anthony Martial will rejoin the team, but did confirm Romelu Lukaku, Phil Jones and Marcus Rashford volunteered to cut their holidays short and return to training three days early in an attempt to be better prepared for the Premier League opener against Leicester on 10th August. Mourinho is still looking for reinforcements before the 9th August deadline, but deep inside, he must feel some sort of satisfaction from this victory, Manchester United’s first (in regular time) in five pre-season friendlies.
Real Madrid pre-season just getting started
This was Real Madrid’s first pre-season run out and Los Blancos’ rust was visible. Julen Lopetegui’s side was unable to switch into a higher gear until the second half. The new coach has some ways to go before getting his squad ready for the UEFA Super Cup matchup against Atletico Madrid in two-weeks’ time.
Next up on the schedule are two more games on American soil. The first one is on 5th August against Juventus in Maryland and the second one is on 8th August versus Roma at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.