Manchester United beat Leeds United 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Croke Park, giving Michael Carrick plenty to consider before the final game of pre-season.
Joshua Zirkzee put United ahead after 16 minutes following excellent work from Bryan Mbeumo, before Brenden Aaronson punished a mistake from Tyler Fletcher to equalise.
United eventually prevailed in the shootout, but the performance offered more useful clues than the result as Carrick prepares his side for Saturday’s final friendly against AC Milan.
Bryan Mbeumo is becoming impossible for Carrick to ignore
Mbeumo did not score this time, but once again he looked like United’s most dangerous attacker.
The Cameroon international drifted wide before beating his marker, carrying the ball into the final third and finding Zirkzee for the opening goal. He was later denied by James Trafford and also struck the woodwork.
ReadManUtd highlighted before kick-off how Carrick had again included Mbeumo in an experimental attacking unit.
His pre-season performances are rapidly making him look considerably less experimental.
Mbeumo had already scored three times across his previous two appearances and his influence against Leeds continued even without another goal.
Benjamin Sesko is still building towards his return, but Carrick has found an effective alternative through the middle. Mbeumo’s pace, movement and ability to create for others have given United a genuine attacking threat throughout the summer.
Competition will increase once Sesko is fully fit, but leaving Mbeumo out of the Premier League opener is becoming increasingly difficult to envisage.
Senne Lammens gives Carrick something to think about
Senne Lammens returned to the starting XI and produced a largely encouraging display.
The Belgian could do little about Aaronson’s equaliser, but made an important save later in the game to keep United level. Samuel Luckhurst described it as a fine stop on Lammens’ first start since returning from the World Cup.
Carrick also got useful minutes into Leny Yoro, who successfully returned at centre-back after his own disrupted summer.
With one friendly remaining before the Premier League season begins, getting senior players back onto the pitch is almost as valuable as collecting another pre-season win.
Lammens now has another full outing behind him and Carrick can make his goalkeeper decision with more evidence available.
Man Utd midfield still needs more control
Tyler Fletcher was given a major opportunity alongside summer signing Andrey Santos, but Leeds’ equaliser provided a reminder of the demands awaiting United’s younger players.
Fletcher escaped one mistake before losing possession again in the build-up to Aaronson’s goal.
It should not define the 19-year-old’s performance. Pre-season exists partly to expose young players to situations where mistakes can be made without costing Premier League points.
There was, however, a broader warning for Carrick.
United controlled much of the first half with Santos involved, but Leeds enjoyed more territory after making extensive changes at the interval. Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans and Matheus Cunha were later introduced as Carrick looked to regain greater control.
Saturday’s meeting with AC Milan offers one final opportunity to find the right midfield balance before Hull City.
United have made progress during pre-season, but Carrick will want his side to manage difficult periods better once the competitive football begins.
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