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Manchester United: 3 key takeaways from the 2021/22 pre-season

By Jyotirmoy Halder

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Pre Season Friendly fixture between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on August 7, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 3-0 during the Pre Season Friendly fixture between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on August 7, 2021 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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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

Manchester United
Donny van der Beek, Manchester United. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

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.

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