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Three things learnt from Manchester United’s 3-0 thrashing of Valerenga
In a game of pure dominance, it took until the 44th minute for Manchester United to break the deadlock against Norwegian side Valerenga in their latest pre-season outing. It was Marouane Fellaini, strongly linked with a move away, who opened the scoring with a powerful header.
That was followed up by yet another header, this time from substitute Romelu Lukaku, just at the start of the second half. United grew in confidence and saw their possession turn into chances, increasingly testing the Norwegian’s defence.
The final goal came from 20-year-old winger Scott McTominay. One of the best performers of this pre-season campaign, he pounced on some scrappy play to curl into the far corner of the net and cap a brilliant win for the Red Devils.
Here is what The Boot Room learnt from the game…
Romelu Lukaku does have what it takes
Got himself onto the score sheet with this third goal of pre-season as he headed powerfully into the net only three minutes after being introduced at half-time. Having lacked a clinical cutting edge in attack in the first period, the introduction of the Belgian completely changed the game in United’s favour.
Lukaku went close again not long after his strike as his effort flashed past the far post by inches. His power and strength was too much for the Norwegian opposition and he showed signs of why Jose Mourinho made him his marquee signing of the summer.
This could be a huge season for Paul Pogba
Wearing the captain’s armband in the second half, it was clear for all to see that Pogba was the dominant player in this clash. In complete control, particularly in the first 45 minutes, he dictated the tempo of the game and created chance after chance for the Red Devils.
With greater freedom on the left of a midfield three, Pogba roamed around the field and consistently found himself in the right place at the right time. He may not have justified his huge fee in his debut season at Old Trafford, but if he can maintain this kind of form then he seems set to do so in 2017/18.
Victor Lindelof isn’t first choice
The starting eleven appeared to be a hint at who may begin the game against West Ham on the opening day of the season in just under two weeks, but Lindelof didn’t feature until the system changed to a back three in the second half. The notion that the Swede may not be in line for a regular spot was only enhanced post-match, when Mourinho told :
“He needs time and we are going to give him his time to develop. Such a young player needs time. Manchester United is a huge club with huge responsibility; the Premier League is the same. So let’s give him time, but we’re happy with what he is doing, step by step.”
Lindelof has had a far from perfect start to life in United colours after a number of errors in pre-season, and that could see him lose his potential spot to Phil Jones, who started the game alongside Eric Bailly.