Man Utd's friendly loss highlights transfer work that needs to be done

James Shearman

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
• 4 min read

Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by Atletico Madrid on Saturday in their penultimate preseason fixture ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Erik ten Hag fielded a strong lineup at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway, as it was his last chance to do so ahead of the Premier League opening weekend clash against Brighton.

The Red Devils' final friendly is at Old Trafford today, against Madrid's fourth biggest club Rayo Vallecano, which will see an entirely different starting 11.

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United had more shots (13), shots on target (4), possession (56%), passes (481) and a higher pass accuracy (86%) than Atletico, but were unable to unlock their opponents' defence.

A late goal courtesy of Joao Felix won Diego Simeone's men the game, with Fred being sent off in added time.

Of all the done deals across the big teams this summer, Man Utd are the ones who are still attempted to construct their starting XI for the season.

Ten Hag's side have scored plenty of goals in preseason, but besides a run out against a young Liverpool side almost three weeks ago, Atletico were the first top quality opposition they have faced.

And United were without Jadon Sancho, who has enjoyed an excellent preseason, which highlighted the club's lack of depth in attacking areas.

20-year-old Anthony Elanga took the absent Englishman's place on the right wing, and was replaced by fellow 20-year-old Facundo Pellistri in the 76th minute.

Indeed, Christian Eriksen was the only experienced attacking player on the bench for Saturday's game.

This is a problem area for Ten Hag, who can't rely on the likes of Elanga, Pellistri and Amad Diallo regularly, if United want to challenge for a top four spot.

But there is still time left in the transfer window for Ten Hag to seek attacking reinforcements.

Man Utd's attacking transfer targets

Benjamin Sesko

Manchester United have a strong interest in Benjamin Sesko, FootballTransfers understands, having monitored the Red Bull Salzburg striker for months.

The Austrian side are determined to keep hold of the youngster, as they feel a better offer could be received in next summer's transfer window.

But FootballTransfers have learnt that Man Utd are looking to make an approach whereby they pay a percentage of the fee now and the remainder later - if the youngster meets certain clauses are met in the coming seasons. This is a similar type of deal to Anthony Martial's signing from Monaco.

Sesko's pre-season performances, as well as his agent's social media posts, have brought Sesko to public attention recently, but United held a strong interest in the 19-year-old long before this summer.

With his pace, power, and eye for goal, the Slovenian has been touted as the next Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe - which is why the Red Devils want to secure a deal as soon as possible.

Antony

Manchester United have been looking to add another former Ajax player to their ranks, after the arrival of Lisandro Martinez, in winger Antony.

The 22-year-old's career has ignited at the Johan Cruyff Arena, where he scored 12 goals in 33 appearances under Ten Hag in the 2021/22 season.

However, Ajax have already seen the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Sebastien Haller depart the club, as well as Martinez and others, so would rather not sell the Brazilian in this window.

United have tracked Antony all summer, having met numerous times with his representatives, but Ajax are believed to have increased their asking price from €80 million to €100m to put off any interested clubs.