Manchester United have wrapped up their pre-season campaign, with a 4-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford. That is how their run of four pre-season friendlies came to an end.
The Red Devils defeated Derby County 2-1 in their opening game of pre-season. Then they travelled to Loftus Road, where they tasted a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Queens Park Rangers. Then they hosted newly-promoted Brentford at Old Trafford, a game which ended in a 2-2 draw.
And then came this impressive 4-0 victory against Everton, where first-team stars like Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba, and Anthony Martial took part for the first time this pre-season.
Overall, it was a fruitful spell. Manchester United will face Leeds United in the opening matchday of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign this Saturday.
3 key takeaways from Manchester United’s 2021/22 pre-season
Let’s take a look at three key takeaways from Manchester United’s 2021/22 pre-season:
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs an addition in defensive midfield
Prior to the start of the campaign, there were rumours that Solskjaer would consider changing the system and fielding a single defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. But even after the completion of the pre-season campaign, it is unclear who could play that role on a consistent basis.
Against Everton, the Red Devils started the game with a double-pivot consisting of Nemanja Matic and Donny van de Beek and ended it with a pivot of Fred and Paul Pogba. Following the ninety minutes, the first combination appeared to perform a bit better than the second one on the day.
Speaking of other options, there was Scott McTominay, who has previously been a part of a pivot with Fred. But against Everton, the Scotland international featured at centre-back after coming on as a substitute in the 68th-minute of the match.
Therefore, Manchester United might need to sign a defensive midfielder this summer. The pivot of Matic and Van de Beek could be a short-term solution for Solskjaer. But the Norwegian manager could certainly do with another option there.
If Solskjaer does decide to go with a 4-3-3 formation with a single defensive midfielder this season instead of a pivot, the Red Devils should definitely consider signing a defensive midfielder this summer.