Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United will look to maintain their undefeated record in pre-season when they take on Atletico Madrid on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester United have enjoyed a solid start to life under Ten Hag and will look to continue that on Saturday when they face Atletico Madrid at the Ullevaal Stadion in Norway.
With Diego Simeone’s men only having played one friendly so far this pre-season, United may have a slight advantage going into this game.
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Considering this is one of just two games left before the season starts against Brighton next Sunday, Ten Hag will see this as the perfect opportunity to fine tune his side ahead of the curtain-raiser next Sunday.
Here are how each side has fared so far in pre-season:
Manchester United
United kicked off their pre-season with a 4-0 thumping of close rivals Liverpool in Bangkok, the goals being shared between Fred, Pellistri, Sancho and Martial to give Erik ten Hag the perfect start.
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Despite United facing a much-changed Liverpool team, the intensity of the press displayed right from the first whistle is something that will give United supporters further optimism heading into the new season.
The Red Devils picked up where they left off in the second game by hitting another four past Melbourne Victory at the MCG. A sloppy start from United saw the hosts take the lead but it wouldn’t be long before The Reds regained the control they showed against Liverpool and hit back with a deflected McTominay effort and a smart finish from Antony Martial to ensure a narrow lead at the break.
The game would go on to be closed out comfortably with further goals from Marcus Rashford and an own goal forced by a Tahith Chong cross to establish a score line which the performance warranted.
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A much-changed Crystal Palace would be next in line for Erik ten Hag, who would get a closer look at Premier League opposition for the second time on tour. Anthony Martial continued his brilliant pre-season to make it three goals in three games with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho adding to their tallies to make it three wins from three as United saw off Palace 3-1 in Melbourne.
The only blots on the result being a late red card for Will Fish and United carrying on the theme from last season by conceding from another corner which no doubt will be a concern for Ten Hag.
Further Premier League opposition in Aston Villa would await Ten Hag’s side to complete their tour of Australasia. Despite a controlled first half which saw United head in at the break with a two-goal lead thanks to Jadon Sancho and an own goal forced by Marcus Rashford, the second half was the opposite.
Although Villa were the much better team, with Leon Bailey playing like a man possessed after being subbed on at the interval, the Red Devils were just seconds away from a 100% record on tour until a last minute Callum Chambers header from a corner – again showing United’s weakness from set-pieces.
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Erik ten Hag called for control and you wouldn’t find a better example of what he means than this game with United letting a two goal lead slip to draw 2-2. United’s Jekyll and Hyde performance against Aston Villa was all too familiar and a stark reminder for Ten Hag on the mammoth task he faces in his first season in charge.
A behind-closed-doors friendly was held at Carrington earlier this week which provided much-needed minutes for some players, especially for those who didn’t feature much on tour.
United reportedly won the game 4-1 with debutant Christian Eriksen netting his first goal in red. Garnacho, Amad and Telles added further goals to give United a convincing win heading into the Atletico Madrid game at the weekend.
Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid have started their pre-season a little later than United with plans for just three friendlies before their La Liga campaign kicks off away at Getafe on the 15th August.
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Simeone’s side began pre-season with a dominant display against Numancia on Wednesday which saw them run out 4-0 winners with goals from Lemar, Correra, Kondogbia and Cunha. Both sides fielded an entirely different XI during the game which indicates the stage of pre-season they’re at compared with United who will be looking to give more minutes to players this weekend.
Although it’s still pre-season and considered a friendly by most – maybe not Simeone – Atletico will provide a stern challenge for United.
A repeat fixture from the Champions League last 16 exit could perhaps be the truest indicator of where United are at under Erik ten Hag. With the Premier League season fast approaching, this game will potentially be the last opportunity for some players to impress their new manager and guarantee their spot for the game against Brighton a week on Sunday.
Manchester United will complete their pre-season just 24 hours after this game when Rayo Vallecano make the trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Topics: Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Premier League, Football, Erik Ten Hag, Diego Simeone
Michael Tunstall