Bodo/Glimt vs. Man Utd: Player Ratings and the Hojlund Impact
Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Bodo/Glimt provided a valuable opportunity to assess the squad's progress and, crucially, to see Rasmus Højlund in action. While the result itself might be secondary, the performances of individual players and the integration of the new striker were key takeaways. Let's delve into the player ratings and analyze Højlund's impact.
Man Utd Player Ratings: A Mixed Bag in Norway
The match against Bodo/Glimt presented a fascinating blend of established stars and promising youngsters, showcasing both strengths and areas requiring improvement. Here's a breakdown of the individual performances:
Top Performers:
- Onana (8/10): Commanding presence in goal, showcasing his composure and distribution skills. Several key saves prevented Bodo/Glimt from capitalizing on their chances. A solid debut for the new signing.
- Antony (7.5/10): Showcased his trademark trickery and pace, causing problems for the Bodo/Glimt defense. While he didn't find the back of the net, his contribution to the attack was undeniable.
- Garnacho (7/10): The young winger continues to impress with his direct running and ability to create opportunities. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious.
Average Performances:
- Casemiro (6.5/10): Solid performance in midfield, providing the usual defensive stability. However, he lacked the creative spark that we often see from him.
- Bruno Fernandes (6.5/10): Showed glimpses of brilliance, but his overall performance was inconsistent. He needs to find more rhythm and consistency in his play.
- Mount (6/10): A decent outing but lacked the incisiveness expected of a player of his caliber. He needs to improve his link-up play and find better positions to impact the game.
Areas for Improvement:
- Rashford (6/10): While he worked hard, his finishing was below par. This is an area he needs to address to maintain his goal-scoring form.
- Wan-Bissaka (5.5/10): A mixed performance defensively. He had some good moments but also looked vulnerable at times.
Rasmus Højlund: A Promising Debut
The main talking point, however, revolved around the debut of Rasmus Højlund. While his impact might not be reflected in the final scoreline, his performance provided a glimpse into his potential:
- Højlund (7/10): Showcased his pace, strength, and movement. He created several chances and linked up well with his teammates. His finishing could be improved, but his overall display was very positive. He looks like a valuable addition to the squad. It's crucial to remember he's still adapting to a new league and his teammates.
Key Observations about Højlund:
- Physicality: Højlund's physical presence was noticeable. He held up the ball well and won several aerial duels.
- Movement: His intelligent movement off the ball created space for himself and his teammates.
- Link-up Play: He showed a willingness to combine with his teammates, demonstrating good understanding in the final third.
- Finishing: This is an area that needs work. While he had several chances, his finishing could be more clinical. This is expected, though, as he adapts to his new surroundings.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
The Bodo/Glimt friendly served as a valuable test for Manchester United. While the team showed flashes of brilliance, there are areas needing improvement. The debut of Rasmus Højlund was undoubtedly the highlight, offering a glimpse of a promising future. As the season progresses, we can expect to see a more cohesive and improved Man Utd team, with Højlund playing a crucial role in their attacking strategy. Continued integration and development will be key to unlocking his full potential.