Manchester United’s final preseason game of the US trip was against Borussia Dortmund.
Erik ten Hag would have surely wanted to make amends for the earlier loss against Real Madrid by winning again against Dortmund.
Tom Heaton has been named as United’s starting goalkeeper.
Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Brandon Williams began ahead of the regulars in defense.
Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, and Donny van de Beek were assigned to patrol the middle of the field.
Jadon Sancho led the line once more, with Omari Forson and Facundo Pellistri flanking him on either wing.
Here are three takeaways from Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Sancho thriving in the false nine role
Sancho was one of United’s standout performers in the first 45 minutes.
The Englishman played up front and excelled once again. He did well against Arsenal and repeated his excellent performance against the Gunners.
Sancho worked well with his colleagues and linked plays effectively.
The 23-year-old produced a series of incredibly outstanding and deft touches that allowed him to dodge and get past Dortmund’s defenders on many occasions.
In terms of pushing, Sancho showed a strong willingness to commence defense as he led from the front. At times, his work rate prompted the opposing goalie to go long, allowing Ten Hag’s players to reclaim possession.
Sancho’s passing was sharp, and he looked especially to release Pellistri with some excellent through balls.
He routinely dropped deep to assist in the build-up, which is something Ten Hag looks for in his strikers.
It was previously reported that the Dutch coach is testing Sancho as a false nine with the goal of making him a more permanent fixture in that position.
Ten Hag was said to be happy with Sancho’s performance against Arsenal.
Ten Hag will be pleased with the forward’s performance against Dortmund at the Allegiant Stadium. Hopefully, Sancho’s additional responsibilities will launch a time of greater consistency at Old Trafford ahead of the new season.
Pellistri is best served going out on loan
Pellistri was electrifying for United in the 60 minutes he played before Ten Hag made wholesale personnel changes.
When the opportunity arose, the Uruguayan took his man on, taking advantage of his amazing speed and quick feet.
It should be mentioned that he played in a position that was largely foreign to him – the left flank.
However, Pellistri’s final product was lacking, something he will be eager to improve as he strives to become a key player at the club.
Throughout the game, he appeared to travel with the ball far more than necessary and to hang on to it for far too long, at the price of a simple cross into the box.
The 21-year-old must also improve his run timing if he is to reach his full potential and become the devastating forward he can be.
Pellistri has a lot of natural talent that needs to be fostered carefully. Currently, a loan move may be the best option for him.
With competition for offensive positions at an all-time high, especially with the impending signing of Rasmus Hojlund, he may not have many chances to play with the first squad next season.
Pellistri has to play regularly in order to grow, and the Red Devils cannot provide that promise.
Costly defensive blunders from United
All three goals conceded by United were arguably the result of unforced errors that should have been avoided.
For the opener, miscommunication and turmoil in the backline regarding marking provided Donyell Malen with a practically empty goal to tap the ball into.
In the case of the second goal, Lindelof’s bad pass in an attempt to send the ball into midfield was intercepted.
Marcel Sabitzer found Malen inside the United box again, and the Dutch international was all too pleased to strike from close range to complete his hat trick.
The third goal was scored in a manner similar to the second.
A Dortmund player intercepted Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s erroneous pass. A sliding Youssoufa Moukoko got on the end of the next cross and guided the ball into the net.
United’s defensive blunders should serve as a wake-up call with the new Premier League season just around the corner.
Last season’s success was founded on a solid and rigid backline, and every effort should be taken to guarantee that this strength does not turn into a problem.