By Mark Weasley
Manchester United continued the impressive pre-season tour with yet another victory. The team have returned from a gruelling tour of the USA to beat Valerenga in Oslo. Goals from Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku, and Scott McTominay ensured that we came out on top against the Norwegian team and puts the Red Devils in fine form ahead of the European Super Cup against Real Madrid next week.
Jose Mourinho is still looking at a couple of more signings but on the back of this victory, only Nemanja Matic may join, given that the Chelsea midfielder was snapped in a United gear on Sunday, seemingly undergoing his medical.
We take a look at the things we learned.
Lukaku looks the part
3 goals in 5 matches for Belgian striker, Romelu Lukaku means that he heads into the new season high on confidence. The 24-year-old scored just two minutes after entering the fray at half time, guiding a powerful header from a corner kick.
The former Everton man proved that with proper guidance, he could have a big season and power Man United to a first league title in 5 years. He looked sharp, got into proper channels and took on responsibility well. Jose Mourinho has integrated him slowly, and based on this pre-season, He will have a big season.
Pogba looks relieved without major defensive responsibilities
The imminent signing of Nemanja Matic will help world record signing, Paul Pogba, who has shone like a million stars in pre-season thus far. He is benefiting from a proper pre-season after not signing early for the Red Devils last season. He has had more time to work on tactical variations under Jose Mourinho and was majestic against Valerenga.
The signing of Matic will offer him even more freedom, and ensure he has a more productive season than the previous one, in which he struggled to live up to the massive expectations on his shoulders following his world record transfer move from Juventus.
The Bailly-Lindelof partnership is not trusted by Mourinho
Prior to signing for Manchester United, Victor Lindelof was heralded as a long-term partner for impressive Eric Bailly. However, the new signing has looked shaky since his pre-season got underway with a shambolic performance against LA Galaxy.
The former Benfica man was supposed to be an upgrade on Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, but he is yet to find his form, and needs to improve very soon if he is to be a defensive lynchpin. He came into the game at halftime, becoming part of a back three and that will be a worry for him because the formation is only a second option going into the season.
