What did Manchester United’s opening game show? An immature Garnacho, a lacklustre Mount, but 3 points is 3 points!

Over 70,000 fans at Old Trafford witnessed Manchester United’s first game of the new Premier League season. However, the euphoria was somewhat trampled by the unconvincing performance of Erik ten Hag’s players, who really have a lot to think about.

Right off the bat, it’s certainly worth mentioning that Wolves are definitely not playing second fiddle in the Premier League, as this is a team packed with very exciting players, in many cases we are talking about great talents, some of whom we will definitely see in the top team.

Manchester United did manage to keep the ball on their feet in the first half, but the slow passing was hardly conducive to anything bigger. Quite possibly the home players still had the disastrous start to last season on their minds.

In the second half, at least in terms of ball possession, the tables were turned and Gary O’Neill’s charges sensed a chance. They were more active and created many chances, but their activity did not result in a goal and neither did the points.

The immature Garnacho

Ten Hag preferred Alejandro Garnacho on the wing, but he was in charge of Nélson Semedo, who was beyond his strength. The Argentine was outclassed by his opponent in the sprints.

The talented winger of the Red Devils tried another solution, but his efforts came to nothing. Semedo emerged as the overwhelming winner in this contest. The arrival of Sancho in the 68th minute to replace Garnacha for a time definitely improved the situation on the left flank.

The Argentine clearly has it in him, but he still has a long way to go before he is valid and becomes a difference maker for Manchester United.

Rasmus Hojlund, however, was unable to start and so Marcus Rashford, who was virtually invisible, moved into the attack.

The lacklustre Mount

It was a league debut for Mason Mount in a Red Devils jersey and his performance certainly can’t be described as bad. You could say he did exactly what was expected of him. Great activity on the pitch, as he tirelessly attacked the opponent’s crosses, sometimes even at goalkeeper Jose Sá.

But he was certainly not a difference maker. At the same time that Garnacho left, so did the English midfielder, who was replaced by Christian Eriksen. Once again, this created a central trio of Casemiro – Eriksen – Fernandes, which when they entered a game together last season, Manchester United did not lose.

It will be interesting to see how Mount performs going forward and whether he confirms expectations or, on the contrary, shows that he can be the difference. After all, when you pay nearly 65 million euros for someone, that’s expected!

3 points is 3 points

Manchester United’s performance was certainly not convincing compared to Manchester City, Arsenal or Newcastle, but you could see the ‘nervousness’ in the players as they played very confidently. As mentioned, last season the Red Devils were without a single point after the opening two rounds, now they have three.

On Saturday, Manchester United travel to London to take on Tottenham, who drew 2-2 with Brentford.

Source: Premier League, Whoscored