Manchester United started their US tour with a win against LA Galaxy by 5-2. United showed some of their best plays that a United fan would undoubtedly praise.The next three friendly matches against Real Salt Lake, Manchester City, and Real Madrid were of the same class. United registered the win in all of these games except their last match against FC Barcelona. They lost 1-0 in their last game. Jose Mourinho gave every player a chance to play on the field and show what advantages they can give Mourinho in the chase of elite trophies this new season.
UEFA Champions League
Manchester United has already qualified for the UEFA Champions League 2017/18 by winning the last season's UEFA Europa League. 2017/18 season will be again tough for Manchester United as they have tough competitors in the Barclays Premier League as well as in the Champions League.
Last season Jose Mourinho accused Premier League officials of making United's match schedules too tight, even after considering that United was playing in four different tournaments. Anyways, this is a brand new season, and it would be interesting to watch how much he understand his team after watching them play for a whole year.
By the way, it's all about future. Let's focus on the ratings of some United players on how they performed on the US tour.
Player Ratings
David De Gea - 9/10
His performance was superb as usual. It didn't feel like he was on leave for almost two months. There were speculations initially that De Gea wants to join current Champions League winners Real Madrid, but in a recent interview, Jose said, "He is not going anywhere. He is happy and happy to play with his current teammates.
He is staying at least for this season.". These words assured that one of the best goalkeepers would play for Manchester United this season.
Chris Smalling - 6/10
This defender didn't improve at all. Again he was sloppy in some matches. Chris Smalling is also in the transfer window as West Ham has shown their interest. Now it's on up to United's boss what he wants.
Overall, this season he must be at Manchester United since they want abundant defenders to compete in elite leagues.
Phil Jones - 7/10
He is not that tall but is exceptional in aerial challenges. He showed lots of improvements with his legs also. But it all counts in real matches, and Premier League and Champions League would be a real test for this defender.
Antonio Valencia - 8/10
Except conceding a goal in last game against Barcelona, he was good throughout the US tour.
Jesse Lingard - 9/10
This season he looks to show something special. Now he's linking with attack better than ever.
Marouane Fellaini - 6/10
He is good for aerial challenges in defense and headers in attack but except that he's not okay anywhere.
He didn't show any improvement on the tour.
Marcus Rashford - 10/10
He was the only player who performed outstandingly. He is improving a lot and could be a lethal striker very soon for Manchester United. He could be proved to be the most important striker for United this season.
Victor Lindelof - 6/10
He couldn't show the United fans why Jose Mourinho was so keen to bring him to Manchester United. He didn't perform that well and conceded few goals and a penalty. Overall it was a great tour for him to remember.
Eric Bailly - 8/10
Except for last game, he was again a wall for United. He must be the most used defender by Jose Mourinho in the forthcoming season.
Paul Pogba - 9/10
More skilled on the ball.
Exceptional passes, runs, and shots. He looked improved in every area of the field.
Andreas Parreira - 9/10
To be on point, he doesn't need to go on loan spells anymore. He is the best alternative for midfield, and even Jose can utilize him along with Paul Pogba. He has pace and has some technical abilities to control the ball in the midfield. The upcoming season will be so important for him to prove the manager.
Romelo Lukaku - 5/10
This might be bad for United fans to hear but his performance wasn't up to mark on the US tour. He scored two goals against Real Salt Lake and Manchester City. Except that he was like an invisible man in rest of the matches. He wasn't looked so much involved in the game.
