United Beyond Manchester

Pre-season is not always the best indicator of where a team is at competitively, but positives and negatives can still be drawn as teams prepare for the season. Despite two injuries that will give fans flashbacks to last season, there were positives to take from the Reds’ first action in the United States.

1) Rasmus Hojlund Creates and Finishes His Goal

Fifteen minutes into the match, Rasmus Hojlund’s day was soured by injury. However, those fifteen minutes will encourage every United fan.

Rasmus Hojlund had a rough Euros with Denmark. The 21-year-old failed to find the net for his country in his four appearances. A rebound was needed from the striker, and his goal yesterday was a great sign.

Hojlund picked the ball up off of a Marcus Rashford ball over the top and took on his defender. After passing him with ease, he slipped the ball through the goalkeeper’s legs for a United lead.

Sadly, the Dane’s day finished shortly after, but hopefully, there is more of that to come this season.

2) Toby Collyer Can Provide First-Team Depth

After a successful spell in Brighton’s youth system, Toby Collyer made the move to Manchester United in 2022. Impressive play in United’s youth teams led to Collyer first appearing on Erik Ten Hag’s bench at the end of last season.

Now, after an impressive start to pre-season, the 20-year-old looks set to follow in Kobbie Mainoo’s footsteps to first-team football. Last season, Mainoo had a fantastic pre-season, which led to first-team football after his return from injury.

Collyer is solid in possession, as he distributes the ball well and allows others to make the breakthrough passes. His athleticism allows him to cover midfield space well, and his counter-attacking defense leads him to break up dangerous moves by the opposition.

Look for Collyer to become a part of Ten Hag’s squad when the season begins in a few weeks.