Four things we learnt as Man United limp to 2-2 draw with Everton | OneFootball

Manchester United took on Everton in their final game of the Premier League summer Series in Atlanta.

Altay Bayindir started in goal with Andre Onana still injured. Amad started at right wing back with Diogo Dalot replacing Patrick Dorgu at left wing back.

Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw started in the back three with Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in the double pivot.

Bryan Mbeumo made his debut in the number 10 position alongside Bruno Fernandes. Matheus Cunha was asked to lead the line with Rasmus Hojlund dropping to the bench.

Here are four things we learnt from the match.

Promise of attack

Fans were very excited to see Mbeumo and Cunha named in the same line up for the first time and there were some mixed results.

There was naturally some lack of fluidity and disjointed moments but there were some genuine flashes of promise.

In the first 30 minutes, the Red Devils flew forward with speed and one touch passing.

Twice Matheus Cunha was given a chance to open his account but missed both times.

Quick combination play from Cunha, Mbeumo and Amad led to the penalty which Bruno Fernandes converted to give his side the lead.

Defensive lapses still a problem

United have largely impressed on the United States tour but some ugly habits of last season reared their heads tonight.

Everton’s goal stemmed from a poor mistake by Ugarte which resulted in Iliman Ndiaye slotting in a finish unmarked at the back post.

Nonetheless, United in truth, escaped a couple more times.

Jake O’Brien hit the post early on when he reacted to Bayindir’s parry and the Irishman almost scored again from a header from a long throw.

The Red Devils certainly have some very good defenders on an individual level but they still need to find a way to connect better as a unit to fulfil their true potential as a team.

Midfield concerns

The midfield duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte drew praise from head coach Ruben Amorim against West Ham United but their performance produced question marks tonight.

Mainoo showed some nice touches and Ugarte pressed hard as usual but there were also numerous errors.

Ugarte regularly lost the ball in the centre of the pitch and once again fans will be worrying if he has the quality on the ball to play for a club like United.

He was also guilty of some wayward passing which will not fill Amorim with much confidence.

The Red Devils look likely to spend big on a striker with their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko but some supporters may be wondering if the money would be better spent on securing a top drawer midfielder instead.

Mason Mount quality

The former Chelsea man has had a very misfortunate career to date at United.

Nonetheless, there were signs at the end of last season that he was finally making some progress.

He scored two wonderful goals against Athletic Club in the semi-final of the Europa League and produced almost a carbon copy of the strike this evening.

Mount produced a wonderful goal out of nothing which highlighted the very real quality he possesses.

Amorim and all United fans will be hoping that he can finally stay fit and make a real go of his United career.

Featured image AJ Reynolds via Getty Images

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