The match between England’s top clubs gave a clue to the upcoming season.
The season in England starts very soon. It will have a lot of intrigue, so fans and football enthusiasts are trying to form an opinion about what to expect from him even before the start of the championship. Friendlies help in this. Such fights between the best teams can be considered a special gift. As part of the tour United States of America Liverpool and Manchester United had a similar match. In it, the “Reds” defeated the opponent with the score of 3:0. Of course, one can make several reservations about the circumstances of the game, but it did provide some clues. Let’s pay attention to some important points.
The rise of Fabio Carvalho
The 21-year-old Portuguese is one of many Liverpool players with an uncertain future. Last season he spent on loan at Leipzig and Hull City. During the tour United States of America Carvalho has played all three of Liverpool’s games and is clearly determined to stay in the team. He has reportedly already held significant talks with new manager Arne Slot and is counting on him.
Interestingly, Carvalho and Slot have differing opinions regarding the player’s position. Fabio believes he is best used as a “ten” and the coach sees him as a winger. In any case, it was in the winger role that Carvalho played all three of Liverpool’s games. United States of America. And he managed to score a goal each against Arsenal and Manchester United. Carvalho had a good performance, and his excellent performance is one of the important results of Liverpool’s trip overseas.
Several clubs are showing interest in Carvalho, and this excellent performance by the Portuguese could convince Slot to bet on Fabio next season, or allow him to cash in a lot of money for him. It is already known that Liverpool do not want to loan Carvalho anymore, but are ready to evaluate the possibility of selling him. It seems that if the Reds let the Portuguese go, they could regret it later: it is better to find him a place in the squad.
Gravenberch’s Progress
In his first season in England, Ryan Gravenberch failed to establish himself as a first-team player at Liverpool. But under the guidance of his compatriot, the Dutchman can also thrive. A hint of this was given in the same duel with Manchester United. Ryan played very actively, took responsibility, tried to regulate the team’s play in the center of the field. He pressed and participated in exchanges, trying to control the ball.
Gravenberch certainly has room for growth, and next season could be a pivotal one for the 22-year-old midfielder, who should make a step up from the ranks of Dutch prospects to the star class. He seems to be a good fit for the Slot system. Let’s take note and follow Gravenberch and Carvalho at Liverpool as they look to find new roles at the club.
The youth Manchester United noteworthy
And pre-season tournaments often give young players the chance to shine. While some of the key players are resting, coaches are giving the younger players a chance. And it’s important not to miss it. It seems that at least a couple of Manchester players haven’t missed the opportunity. They are Harry Amass and Toby Collier.
Overall, Amass made a strong impression during the tour. Manchester United V United States of America. The young left-back has the potential to become a firm fixture in the squad. Amass, 17, moved to Old Trafford last summer from Watford after spending time on trial. He is powerful and quick, choosing his position cleverly and controlling the ball calmly, despite his young age. Such calmness always appeals to defensive players when they are so young.
In the match against Liverpool, Amass had to be tested by Mohamed Salah. Of course, the Egyptian Harry passed in several episodes. But it would be unfair to criticize the 17-year-old for this: in the end Salah lost to both more experienced and more famous opponents. It’s still a size.
As for Collier, he is a very energetic young man who has attracted attention with his activity in the center of the field. He has worked very hard and has shown that Erik ten Hag can count on him in the upcoming season. Ethan Wheatley has also joined the main team and he spoke about what all youth players count on:
Our club has raised many stars. A year ago Kobby Maina played with us in the youth team. And now he plays in the main team. This inspires and motivates all of us. There is a way out.
Lack of centre forwards Manchester United
Friendlies, of course, cannot reflect the full situation before the start of the season. The top clubs cannot count on all their best players. Liverpool, for example, were missing Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez. Manchester has Rasmus Høylund injured and new arrival Joshua Zirkzee did not travel with the team. United States of America.
Without Højlund and Zirkzee, Ten Hag decided to use Jadon Sancho, who is more of a winger, as a central striker. In several instances, Sancho showed himself well in his new position. But overall it seemed that he did not feel suited to this role. He lacked the sharpness required of a centre forward.
Of course, Ten Hag could still use the young Wheatley in this position. But I can’t shake this feeling. Manchester United approaches the new season with problems in attack and the absence of a centre-forward of sufficient quality and ready to bring the team results. And as if the return of Høylund does not solve the problem much.
