Man Utd Pre-Season Tour Awards

Here guest writer Paul Robinson looks at how Man Utd fared in their opening pre-season games against Ajax Cape Town, Shanghai Shenhua and Valerenga and hands out some awards.

It wasn’t the most convincing pre-season Man Utd have ever had. However for the majority of the tour they were without key players such as Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs who didn’t have to pull on their football socks and boots for United’s first few pre-season games. However, Sir Alex Ferguson was still able to call upon the likes of Paul Scholes and Antonia Valencia.

The main weakness i saw in United’s team during pre-season was down the left hand side. Brady and Blackett had spells at left back but both looked uncomfortable and out of position. Lingard looked very impressive throughout the tour however he’s not a left midfielder. Anderson also had a spell playing there and as with the rest of his performances for United, he was rubbish.

Nobody can deny that Man Utd completely under performed only drawing 1-1 with Ajax Cape Town, winning 1-0 against a Shanghai Shenhua; a mid table Chinese team who played their reserve team, and a 0-0 draw against Valerenga isn’t acceptable.

So what players impressed and what players didn’t during these three games?

Surprise Star- Bebe

Wasn’t given a proper chance by Sir Alex however he came on twice and played his heart out and had two superb games. He also saved United’s skin against Ajax Cape Town.

Disappointment- Anderson/ Hernandez

This was Andersons chance, a chance to show Sir Alex he could be a 1st choice midfielder. Did he show this? Not at all, he played woeful in every match. One more chance then he’s gone is my view. This was also Hernandez’ big chance to show Sir Alex he didn’t need to buy RVP. But he didn’t step up, now don’t get me wrong i rate Hernadez very highly but he just didn’t perform during this pre-season.

Best Player- Kagawa/ Berbatov (vs AmaZulu FC)

Berbatovs performance in this match just showed how good he is, he’s got the best touch i’ve seen in a good while and his control is top notch. However, after this match he wasn’t given a look in. Kagawa was an unnecessary buy in my opinion. Utd didn’t need a player of his type however the tour has proven why Sir Alex bought him. Great vision and great pass and move. His movement off the ball makes it hard for opponents to pick up. He scored the winning goal against Shanghai, great few debut games and my player of the Pre Season tour.

Who were your picks of early pre-season games? Get involved in the comments section.

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