Manchester United v Lens Talking Points: Andre Onana’s Error, Mount Await First Goal, Rasmus Hojlund Unveiled

Manchester United went behind in their matchup against Lens at Old Trafford but managed to bounce back to win the match 3-1.

The Red Devils displayed a poor first-half show and it almost ruined their homecoming after the tour of the US.

Andre Onana was caught off guard early in the match, while Mason Mount failed to score despite finding himself inside the six-yard box with an open goal.

United were able to get themself back in the second half, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Casemiro.

With the Premier League resumption imminent, here are the five things Futballnews learned from Saturday’s pre-season friendly.

Andre Onana’s Sweeper Role, A Major Risk For Manchester United

Despite being a fantastic goalie and for all the benefits Andre Onana is set to bring at Old Trafford, he is still a danger to the side.

Onana plays far from his post and he was ruthlessly exposed on his debut despite Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Lens.

The Cameroonian’s ability with the ball at his feet and willingness to come outside well with the ball will certainly help United build attack – something David de Gea could not do.

Well, this also means that when a move breaks down, Onana is in danger of being out of position and that is what happened on his debut.

Diogo Dalot’s misplaced pass gifted possession to Florian Sotoca who saw Onana off his line and launched a chip from 40 yards.

Mason Mount Wasted Chances

Andre Onana was not the only new kid on the block that failed to perform – Mason Mount failed to convert clear chances,

The former Chelsea player has impressed since his £70m move to Manchester United, adding dynamism to Erik ten Hag’s midfield.

The Englishman was given a golden opportunity to score his first United goal at Old Trafford in the 15th minute, but he missed it.

Bruno Fernandez found Argentina’s Alejandro Garnacho who found Mason Mount but the £70million man somehow failed to score.

Manchester United Unveil Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United unveiled their latest signing Rasmus Hojlund at Old Trafford just before kick-off though the £72m signing won’t start a few games due to injury during pre-season.

United are very much aware that the former Atalanta man will need time to adapt with Marcus Rashford likely to start as center-forward after finishing top with 30 goals last season.

Rashford was impressive against Lens as he drew an equalizer for Manchester United after latching onto the pass from Antony.

He also started the attack with Alejandro Garnacho who found Antony and helped United go in the lead for the first time in the game.

The Red Devils played well and Erik ten Hag will be most impressed with how well his team played and how the attack linked up.

Erik ten Hag’s First Eleven Headache

Erik Ten Hag will be having issues with how to align his first eleven at Manchester United, especially with the new signings.

United have another friendly against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin on Sunday, August 6, 2023, and Ten Hag might field an entirely new starting XI.

We are yet to see the team that will kick off the new season against Wolves at Old Trafford on Monday, August 14, though.

However, the only position in Manchester United that looks shaky is right-back and left-wing, with Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho getting the nod here.

Dalot performed below expectations and the awful pass that led to United falling behind in the first half, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could easily replace him.

Rashford played through the middle and Garnacho started ahead of Jadon Sancho on the left and gave a very good account of himself.

Garnacho was a constant threat and looked very lively, but Sancho replaced him and played as false nine which didn’t yield much.

Watch Match Highlights Below: