Manchester United got the first win of the pre-season on board with a 2-0 victory over Rangers in Scotland.
Coming off the back of a 0-1 defeat to Rosenborg, a much-changed United side, strengthened by the return of many first-team stars, were good value for the win.
The team started brightly, buoyed by the returns, as Amad ran circles around Rangers. United had a nice rhythm to the game and Yoro was also impressive. Just reward for an encouraging first half arrived through Amad who was the deserved scorer to put United 1-0 up.
Joe Hugill doubled the scoreline in the second half as Ten Hag rang the changes to finalise a confidence-inducing win.
Here’s how the players rated-
Andre Onana – 7
Calmly collected the few shots that came his way with a fine save near the end a highlight. In the buildup, he looked confident with short passes he was asked to do a lot more of. Kicking long was a bit awry.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
An unassuming half which doesn’t spell well for him as he fights Diogo Dalot for the right-back spot. Some attacking enterprise but nothing to stand out.
Leny Yoro – 8
Quite a welcome to the club as he showed more than what most the optimistic fans expected. A strong last-ditch tackle showed traditional defensive excellence and quality cross-field passing showed unexpected strength on the ball. Special.
Jonny Evans – 6
Didn’t do much wrong but there were some communication issues with Yoro, which was expected as they started for the first time together. Could have been more assertive.
Sam Murray – 7
Clearly grew into the game on his second consecutive start as he provided nice support to Sancho with his underlapping and overlapping runs. Could be a good third-choice to keep around the senior team.
Casemiro – 5
Was given more creative freedom as Collyer sat back and swept up in front of the defence but the decline is evident. Was frustrated with his own effort at one point in the game as he hunched to his knees.
Toby Collyer – 7
Did the simple stuff well as he allowed the front four to flourish with minimal fuss. Remains a ball-winning machine but might have to impress more with the ball to stake a regular first-team claim.
Mason Mount – 7
He dovetailed well with the likes of Amad, Sancho, and Wheatley as he finally found players who make off-the-ball runs. It’s a cliche but Mount finding form this season will be “like a new signing”. Promising early signs.
Jadon Sancho – 7
Should have tested the goalkeeper when Amad set him up beautifully but it was still an encouraging return to the team. Worked hard, tried to go at the defence, and played some nice passes in the final third.
Amad – 9
The Rangers left-back will have nightmares after a sensational half of brilliance by Amad. Showed his two-footedness as he went inside, and outside, and ran the opponents ragged. Scored with a beautiful finish in the far corner after cutting inside. Right-wing is his spot to lose.
Ethan Wheatley – 7
His sense of pressing and tactical intelligence belies his young age. Fashions chances for himself through sheer commitment and provides a strong presence up front. Had a great chance of scoring he should have buried. Would have been a well-deserved goal.
Substitutes
Habeed Ogunneye – 6
A come-down after his good display vs Rosenborg. United struggled to create anything consistently in the second half and it impacted his attacking efforts. Solid in defence.
Will Fish – 7
Came back to Scotland where he has played professional football for the last two seasons and looked like a seasoned professional. Confident on the ball, assertive off it.
Rhys Bennett – 6
Got caught running towards his own goal due to some giveaways as they played with a high line. Good challenge in tough conditions for him.
Harry Amass – 7
Bounced back well from an underwhelming performance against Rosenborg. Showed attacking thrust and drive on the left and was secure in defence as well.
Maxi Oyedele – 8
His performances have gone under the radar due to the noise around Collyer but in these two pre-season games, he has been almost as good as, if not better, than him. Carried the ball from deep through dribbles or passes and assisted Hugill with a brilliant through ball.
Jack Fletcher – 6
The second game in a row he flew under the radar. Rangers closed spaces between the lines so he was reduced to passing sideways or backwards for most of the half.
Ethan Ennis – 5
Remained on the fringes of this one after encouraging against Rosenborg. His greatest asset is his pace and dribbling and Rangers nullified both with their compact defence.
Sam Mather – 7
Would have been determined to make his mark after not taking the pitch against Rosenborg. Showed some nice and confident touches in the final third.
Hannibal – 6
Tried to make some things happen by dropping deep but lacks creativity in tight spaces to play as a No. 10 full-time. This should be his last summer at United.
Joe Hugill – 7
If the whole game was Hugill at his worst, his goal was Hugill at his best. He is a pure poacher who will get the goal if chances are created for him but doesn’t get involved in the buildup or link-up. Ran onto Oyedele’s through pass and thundered it past Butland for United’s second.