• Adidas
  • TeamViewer
  • Tezos
  • DXC
  • Search

Five things we're excited about seeing in Melbourne

Old Trafford.
by
Editorial Team
Thursday 14 July 2022 12:05

Every pre-season game - including Melbourne Victory (11:05 BST Friday 15 July) - will be shown live on MUTV, now available in our app and on ManUtd.com.

The next leg of Manchester United's Tour 2022 is upon us, as the Reds prepare to take on Melbourne Victory in Australia.

We opened our pre-season programme with a 4-0 win over rivals Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday, and Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff will be looking forward to match no.2 after such an encouraging start.

There were positives galore in Thailand, from the very evident fitness of the players, plenty of attacking thrust, and a clean sheet for goalkeepers David De Gea and Tom Heaton.

UTD V MELBOURNE VICTORY adcard

Watch live in the App
But all eyes now turn to Friday's game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, and what we might see next from Ten Hag and co.

Tactical innovations? Some more star turns from our aspiring youngsters? Another blizzard of goals?
 
We've asked five of our staff writers to tell us what they're most looking forward to, ahead of what is certain to be an intriguing 90 minutes...
The production line
There was a real buzz after the contributions of Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage against Liverpool and I hope to see more of our youngsters get some game-time in Friday’s 11:05 BST kick-off. MUTV viewers can maybe get a look at some more of our Academy talent, including FA Youth Cup-winning forward Alejandro Garnacho, who is an explosive player capable of making a big impression, despite his lack of experience. Hannibal showed glimpses of his playmaking qualities on the final day of last season, while dynamic defender Ethan Laird appears to fit the profile Erik likes in a full-back. James Garner is also somebody I rate highly and, if he’s available, it will be interesting to see how he performs.
 
 – Adam Marshall, Contributing Editor
 
More of Malacia, please
It’s always fascinating to watch new signings in pre-season and I thought Tyrell Malacia played well against Liverpool as part of a much-changed side in the second half. The young Dutchman kept it neat and tidy, made several interceptions, showed his strength in the tackle and pressed as often as he could. He actually looked more nervous when speaking to Andy Cole during his post-match interview, which is understandable, and it is obvious he is buzzing for more opportunities to impress Erik ten Hag. Will the 22-year-old start against Melbourne Victory? I certainly hope so and we will find out when the line-ups are announced at 09:35 BST on Friday morning.
 
 – Mark Froggatt, Senior Content Manager
90 in 20: United v Liverpool Video

90 in 20: United v Liverpool

Catch up on the extended highlights of our entertaining first match on Tour 2022...

The front three
Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho all began the win over Liverpool on Tuesday and I felt that all three played well. Of course, there is much of pre-season to go, but they looked sharp and dangerous from the off. Martial got on the scoresheet with his clinical finish, and will be hoping to do the same again if he is given the nod against Melbourne. What's also going to be interesting to see is the fluidity of their positions. The trio can all play across the front three, so it will be intriguing to see whether there is more interchanging across the attack against our Australian hosts.

 – Joe Nelson, Reporter
 
A different kind of challenge?
In Bangkok, United came up against a like-minded Liverpool team who favour a pressing game that creates space everywhere. But in Melbourne, I'm expecting our opponents, Victory, to be a little more conservative. And I'm sure Ten Hag won't mind that one bit. After all, pre-season is all about tackling different challenges, whether that's unknown opponents, unfamiliar climates or experimental tactical ideas. United will probably have to be patient and move Melbourne around with clever passing, rather than utilising the counter-attacks we saw against Liverpool. And that means Friday's game is an opportunity for Ten Hag and his players to ace a different type of test. In Monday's open training session, the Dutchman was vocal about not rushing the final ball, but stretching and manipulating opponents in the attacking third. At the MCG, I sense we're going to get a real indication of how well the Reds are taking on those ideas.
 
 – Joe Ganley, Senior Staff Writer

Ask Elanga a question! adcard

Submit your questions for Elanga

United at the MCG
As a bit of a self-proclaimed cricket nerd, I cannot wait to see the Reds play at one of the sport’s most iconic venues on Friday. United’s last visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground – a 2-0 friendly win over Australia in our first game after the 1999 Treble triumph – was before my time and so I’m eager to see Erik ten Hag's team step out into the historic arena tomorrow. The stadium notably has a capacity of over 100,000, so here's to a bumper crowd for the contest against local club Victory, come 20:05 local time (11:05 BST).

– Mikey Partington, Reporter

Recommended:

Related Keywords