MANCHESTER UNITED drew 2-2 with Everton in Atlanta to conclude their pre-season tour of the United States.
Ruben Amorim’s side twice squandered leads on the night, but still did enough to win the Premier League Summer Series.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes fired the Red Devils into a 19th minute lead from the penalty spot, after James Tarkowski was adjudged to have fouled Amad Diallo in the box.
Iliman Ndiaye levelled for the Toffees before half-time, profiting on a poor mistake by Manuel Ugarte to score.
A brilliant strike by Mason Mount might have won it for United, but for Ayden Heaven’s freak own goal 15 minutes from time.
Here is how SunSport’s Martin Lipton rated each Red Devil in Atlanta.
Altay Bayindir – 5
Keeper‘s United future is decidedly uncertain and all the reasons for that were again in evidence.
Slow reactions to Garner’s free-kick should have been punished by O’Brien although he could do nothing about Ndiaye’s strike.
United need a reliable back-up to Andre Onana. It’s hard to make a case for the Turk deserving that responsibility.
Leny Yoro – 7
Third start in a row for the French, a clear sign that Amorim has him in mind to be the right-sided defensive starter.
His callowness at times is on display, as you should expect.
There are occasional errors but the potential is unquestioned and one tackle on Beto after De Ligt was dumbfounded was crucial. He would surely welcome more help than Amad will ever give him, though.
Matthijs de Ligt – 5
Had the task of neutering Beto’s threat but looked lumbering at times. Too often, when asked to defend, United stand off their men rather than forcing errors.
The Dutchman is unlikely to ever change at this stage in his career and you can envisage him and Maguire being in and out of the team all season. Strikers with genuine pace might be licking their lips.
Luke Shaw – 6
England veteran will probably be the man in possession on the left of the defensive trio for the start of the season and his emphatic backing for Amorim was a significant pointer of dressing room buy-in.
But Shaw will know this was not one of his more persuasive performances as he seemed ill at ease whenever Everton opted to run at him. Doesn’t help when the midfield is a leaky bathtub.
Amad Diallo – 7
Clearly viewed as a wing-back this season and unleashed his rocket speed well to create Cunha’s opening before winning the penalty converted by Fernandes.
A real threat going forward yet his defensive weaknesses – clear once again in the “Big Peach” – will surely be targeted by opponents as the season wears on. Can you risk him against the top Premier League sides?
Manuel Ugarte – 4
The Uruguayan insists he is now ready for the Premier League. He will have to be better prepared than he was in Atlanta – as he was nowhere near good enough.
Everton appeared to feel they could force errors by putting him under pressure. They were not wrong, catching him in possession for Ndiaye’s equaliser. This system will always see the most defensive midfielder exposed at times.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Amorim is adamant the England midfielder can make a genuine first team claim and that he is fitter and more mobile after the pre-season campaign.
Yet it is hard to make the case that Mainoo has progressed over the past 12 months. Still not entirely sure what sort of player he is going to be or if he can fit this United shape..
Diogo Dalot – 6
Portuguese defender, one of the six-man “leadership group”, started on the left – although that would make him Dorgu’s likely understudy.
Did make one really key intervention in front of his own goal as simple centres from Everton left United looking more than vulnerable and happier when moved to the right for the second half.
Bryan Mbeumo – 7
First outing in a United short for the £71m recruit from Brentford, who drifted off the right hand side with purpose and penetration.
Superb instant switch of play led to the penalty and his willingness to forage on either flank was evidence that the Cameroonian will instantly upgrade United’s forward threat. Would have loved to cap his display with a goal but understandably has debut run-out restricted to 45 minutes.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
A third goal of the US Tour and second from the spot for the skipper, who is expected to reject the latest Saudi offer and remain at United, although if Sesko is bought he will have to play deeper than he did last night.
Saying that, the way he played in and around Mbeumo and Cunha suggested United might not have to sign the Slovenian to have real attacking threat, with Fernandes showing creativity and enterprise throughout although spat with Ndiaye was utterly needless.
Matheus Cunha 7
The Brazilian was asked to fill the central attacking role, rather than playing off the front man, although the trident gave him the opportunity to roam at times.
Prodded wide of the far post when he might have done better early on but the run in behind was excellent.
The feeling remains he is a scorer of great goals more than a great goal scorer. United surely need someone who can do the ugly stuff in front of the net.
Subs:
Patrick Dorgu (for Mbeumo, 46) 7
One of the stand-out successes of the US Tour and his entrance on the left saw Dalot switch flanks and Amad move further forward. Instantly improved the United left with the ball.
Ayden Heaven (for Yoro, 57) 6
Teenager walked into a defence that was being worryingly stretched and did his best to bring more security. Own goal was not his fault at all.
Harry Maguire (for Shaw, 57) 6
A little bit of calmness is always welcome. Been there, got the tee-shirt. May not have the starting shirt, though.
Mason Mount (for Mainoo, 57) 8
Mount is desperate for an injury-free campaign and goals like he produced to put United back in front win this one will only help his cause. Terrific finish from 16 yards.
Casemiro (for Ugarte, 72) 6
Brazilian cannot lose the pace he never had. And surely he is smarter and more streetwise than Ugarte. 6
Rasmus Hojlund (for Cunha, 72) 6
Dane knows his United days may be numbered, even if that is against his will. All he can do is try to prove Amorim he can do a job.
Tyler Fredricson (for De Ligt, 88) 6
A late run-out for the youngster. Something more for him to remember from his fortnight Stateside
Read the full article here