Manchester United’s pre-season tour of the United States in 2023 produced mixed results, but it gave crucial information for manager Erik Ten Hag. The trip was about more than simply winning games; it was also about trying out new systems and incorporating new players into the team.

During their trip, the Red Devils played Arsenal in New Jersey, Wrexham in San Diego, Real Madrid in Houston, and Borussia Dortmund in Las Vegas. The last encounter versus Dortmund ended in a 3-2 defeat, but it was an exciting climax to their tour of the United States.

Prior to the game against Dortmund, United lost 0-2 versus Real Madrid and fielded a youthful side that lost 3-1 against Wrexham. The tour also saw Ten Hag experiment with multiple youngsters, including Kobbie Mainoo (who injured himself against Madrid), Forson, Hannibal and more.

Debuts for the new Reds:

The quantity of travel involved was one of the tour’s main talking points. Christian Eriksen, a crucial United player, had reservations about the extended journey, which encompassed thousands of miles across the United States. Regardless, the tour served as a crucial warm-up for the impending Premier League season.

The tour also featured the debut of Mason Mount and Andre Onana and the adoption of a new play style. The presence of Onana between the posts is likely to make the defence and midfield more comfortable in possession, particularly when receiving the ball from their custodian.

Finally, Manchester United’s 2023 USA trip was a time of experimentation, assimilation, and preparation for the next season. Despite the varied results, the tour gave important lessons and experiences for the team’s success in the 2023/24 Premier League season.

United will end the pre-season with games against Lens and Athletic Club Bilbao before kicking off the new PL season against Wolves on August 15th.

- by Rohit Nair, MUSC New Delhi