Manchester United vs Club America Match Analysis and Player Ratings

Source: Allamericansthings

The absence of these players meant that Manchester United’s team sheet for the game had some new and some almost forgotten faces. The team saw a debut for new United signing Lee Grant as well as starting places for youngsters Andreas Pereira, Scott McTominay and Demetri Mitchell and a striking role for Anthony Martial.

Manchester United XI: Lee Grant, Antonio Valencia (c), Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Andreas Pereira, Scott McTominay, Juan Mata, Demetri Mitchell, Anthony Martial

Club America XI: Agustín Marchesín, Paul Aguilar (c), Edson Álvarez, Víctor Aguilera, Luis Reyes, Renato Ibarra, Joe Corona, Guido Rodríguez, Andrés Ibargüen, Henry Martín, Roger Martínez

The game started off tentatively as both sides felt there way into the game. But as the first half wore on the game opened up into an even and well fought contest, with chances coming for both teams. Lee Grant was forced to make a few fine saves for Manchester United as the half progressed, while Anthony Martial was the focal point of their attack as he came close with a few attempts. But the best chance of the first half for either teams fell to United’s Juan Mata whose well struck shot crashed against the post of the Club America goal early in the half.

The second half started in much the same fashion with Club America being denied early in the half by a good save from substitute Joel Pereira. After that Club America were on top and in the 59th minute they whipped a great ball into the box which was headed home convincingly by Martín. It was clear from the early stages of the second half, which team was at the start of their pre-season and which team was at the end. However, Manchester United did well and managed to galvanise themselves as the half progressed and pressed Club America first with a Luke Shaw shot that whistled past the post and then with the substitution of Tahith Chong, who had some really good touches and put together some good bits of play. And in the 78th minute it was Chong who put in a great cross which was headed against the post by Ander Herrera before Juan Mata slotted head the rebound, following a poor clearance from the Club America defender.

The rest of the games was comfortable for United who managed to see out the game and even give many of the youngsters a run out. However, one concern from the latter stages of the game will be the injury worry for Scott McTominay who was forced off in the 85th minute.

Overall, the game was a very good workout for the players and was a great opportunity for them to get more minutes under there belts and improve their fitness in preparation for the start if the season. It was also great to see so many United youngsters getting a chance, with the likes of 16 year old Mason Greenwood,  and 18 year old Tahith Chong looking good when they came on. Following this result, we can now we can look forward positively to our next pre-season fixture which is on Sunday against SJ Earthquakes.

Source: Daily Mail

Lee Grant (7) – It was an impressive debut by Grant who made some good saves for United in the first half. Probably the best united player in the first half.

Antonio Valencia (6) – Looked decent in his first 45 mins of pre-season, looked to try and get forward down the right but still a little rusty.

Eric Bailly (6) – This is a big pre-season for Bailly as he fights to be a first team starter, after falling out of favour last season. He had a decent game but will be unhappy with his involvement in the Club America goal.

Chris Smalling (5) – Made some good blocks and interceptions but looked very rusty and short of match sharpness.

Luke Shaw (6) – A solid start for Shaw who looked like he wants to take his chance to become a first team starter this season.

Ander Herrera (5) – Herrera had a busy game in midfield alongside Pereira but looked rash in possession at times. He did do well with his header than hits the post which led to the United goal.

Andreas Pereira (6) – Had a solid game, looks like he could be a good player for the squad in the up coming season.

Scott McTominay (5) – Made a few mistakes but did looked neat and tidy on the ball throughout the game.

Juan Mata (7) – Had some good moments in the game with his shot that hit the post and his strike on the half volley which gave United their only goal of the game.

Demetri Mitchell (6) – Looked good in the first half but fell away as the game progressed.

Anthony Martial (6) – Martial looked very isolated in this game, but did manage to get some decent  shots away.

SUBS:

Joel Pereira (6) – Made a good stop when he came on and had a solid game, nothing he could have done about the Club America goal.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah (5) – Looked good going forward but could have done better in the lead up to Club America’s goal.

Tahith Chong (7) –  Looked very impressive when he came on, very positive on the ball and looked to make things happen, played a big part in the build up for the United goal. A very exciting prospect for Manchester United.

Matteo Darmain (5) – Did everything he needed to do after he came on.

Mason Greenwood (5) – Another player considered to have a very bright future at United, he came on too late to make a real difference but looked good.

Axel Tuanzebe (N/A) – Too late to mark

Angel Gomes (N/A) – Too late to mark