Manchester United secured a 2-0 victory over Rangers in their preseason match on Saturday, marking an impressive debut for new signing Leny Yoro. The 18-year-old, who recently joined from Lille for €62 million ($67.6 million), was thrust into the starting lineup just days after his transfer. Jadon Sancho also made his return to the squad following his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.
Leny Yoro’s Memorable Debut
Yoro expressed his excitement about his first appearance for United, stating to MUTV, “For me, it was incredible. It was a really good game from the team. I’m happy with my performance and I hope we continue like that.” His presence in the starting eleven highlighted manager Erik ten Hag’s confidence in the young talent, who will be looking to make a significant impact this season.
Key Players on the Pitch
Erik ten Hag fielded a strong lineup at Murrayfield, featuring first-team regulars such as André Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Amad. Notably absent due to minor injuries were Antony, Victor Lindelöf, and Marcus Rashford. The match offered a glimpse into the depth and potential of the squad as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Amad’s Opening Goal
United took the lead in the first half thanks to a superb left-footed finish from Amad, who found the bottom corner of the net. Ten Hag spoke highly of the young winger, emphasizing his development and resilience. “We have to see Amad in a different way. Of course, he’s still young but he’s not inexperienced anymore,” Ten Hag remarked. “Last season he had a bad time with injuries but before that, he was in the Championship and had a great season. Now for this season, this has to be the year.”
Second Half: Youth in Action
Ten Hag made a strategic decision to replace all 10 outfield players at halftime, introducing a host of academy talents. This move paid off when Joe Hugill, one of the young substitutes, doubled United’s lead with a powerful strike in the 70th minute. The blend of experienced players and emerging stars showcased the squad’s versatility and promise for the future.
Reflecting on Preseason Performance
The victory over Rangers was United’s first win of the preseason, following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Rosenberg earlier in the week. Ten Hag highlighted the importance of both results and performances in preseason fixtures. “I want to win every game so I was very disappointed on Monday, especially with the performance,” he stated. “In preseason, the performance is even more important because you want to grow and that is what we have seen today.”
Improvement and Aggression
Ten Hag noted the significant improvement in the team’s aggression and cohesiveness compared to their previous match. “In comparison with Monday — low standard — today was much better, especially in terms of aggressiveness. We were much more on the front foot and it was a team effort in both halves, so it was enjoyable to watch,” he added.
Looking Ahead: Preseason in the United States
With the victory, Manchester United will now head to the United States to continue their preseason preparations. Ten Hag expressed satisfaction with the club’s early transfer activities, highlighting the acquisitions of Leny Yoro and Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. These signings are expected to bolster the squad as they gear up for the competitive season ahead.
Manchester United’s preseason match against Rangers not only provided a platform for new signings like Leny Yoro to shine but also demonstrated the squad’s depth and potential. With promising performances from both seasoned players and young talents, Erik ten Hag’s side looks poised for an exciting season. The upcoming preseason tour in the United States will further test and refine the team as they build towards their competitive goals.
