1) Shaw and Darmian are the best fullbacks – Whenever Luke Shaw was fit last season he almost always played, but he never really got a consistent run of games under his belt. Today he showed the talent he possesses with consistent and penetrating overlapping runs to support Ashley Young on the left hand side. His final ball was also impressive creating two big chances for Mata and Memphis. His blistering pace and desire coupled with his defensive strengths means that he could be a hugely important player next season for United if he maintains his fitness. In addition a lot was made when Louis van Gaal revealed that Darmian was to only be Valencia’s understudy, but another assured, composed and energetic performance, which showed his defensive qualities, will only push his position in the selection further and he has all the requisite abilities to overtake Valencia.
2) Depay can play a striker role – When Van Gaal stated that Memphis could play at striker next season a lot of people were rightfully sceptical. Despite being the top scorer in the Eredivise, fans were doubtful if he had the requisite quality to reproduce the same standards, but his performance against San Jose showed glimpses of what he could achieve. His quick chop and distance shot from distance caused worry for the goalkeeper from the start and his goal showed off his acceleration and finishing ability with an incredibly deft and confident finish past the goalkeeper. As Louis van Gaal stated Memphis is one of the most talented young footballers in the world and against San Jose he showed that his talents could excel him in the number 9 position. His pace and desire to get in behind defences is something United missed all last season resorting to Di Maria being used as an unconventional forward. Memphis has all the abilities to succeed at striker, he just needs to adapt well and cope with the rhythm of the Premier League.
3) Juan Mata is determined to hold down his spot – Mata enjoyed a largely successful season last term, racking up 10 goals in all competitions, but yet his position in the 4-3-3 system seems in doubt. Di Maria’s quality (should he stay) and the rumoured arrival of Pedro al mean Mata may be further away from the starting eleven, which would be unfair to his performances. He was heavily involved in all the early chances, having a shot cleared off the line, an open goal thwarted by Memphis’ accidental interception and another goal bound effort blocked all displayed his abilities to find space and despite his lack of pace against teams that sit deeper his qualities should certainly not be forgotten about, no matter the names that Manchester United have to compete with him. His talents mean that a potential switch to a 4-2-3-1 would benefit him the most giving him the opportunity to play in a central role and with Depay, Young, Rooney, Januzaj, Pereira, Di Maria and possibly Pedro playing around him, it will truly allow his succinct talents to shine.
4) Andreas Pereira could play in the first team – The second half of the match was very quiet as United failed to really apply any consistent attacking pressure, but one of the bright sparks of the half was Andreas Pereira as he continues his way up into the first team. He linked up play with ease and had a couple efforts on goal and scored with an excellently placed header. Playing in his preferred central role, he showed his ability to create attacks and scoring his debut first team goal shown the progress he has made. Outshining more experienced first team players such as Januzaj and Wilson should alone be a testament to his talents.
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