Five things noticed as Manchester United saw out their post-season tour of Southeast Asia with a 3-1 win over Hong Kong on Friday.
Rúben Amorim chose to select Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho in his starting XI to face Hong Kong as Manchester United lined up for their second of two post-season friendlies, facing Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China, on Friday.
The tie started with Casemiro netting in the opening minutes, but his diving header was ruled offside. However, after 20 minutes of United’s relentless attacks, it was Hong Kong who opened the scoring with Juninho squeezing a shot past Tom Heaton.
Amorim chose to make a few changes after 27 minutes, with Sekou Kone and Tyler Fletcher replacing Shea Lacey and Casemiro, and further replacements came at the beginning of the second half.
Just before the 50th minute, 17-year-old Chido Obi netted United’s equaliser with a lovely left-footed effort on the turn, with the Dane then putting United in front with a deft headed effort.
Ayden Heaven then buried United’s third of the night with a lovely header to convert a fantastic cross from Amad to secure a 3-1 win to round up the club’s 2025 post-season tour.
#1 – The difference between Mainoo and Garnacho is clear
In the first post-season fixture against ASEAN All-Stars on Wednesday, it was Kobbie Mainoo who started on the left of the front three, with Garnacho starting against Hong Kong, and the difference was clear.
While Mainoo played much closer to the striker, Garnacho found himself further out wide. Although the Argentine winger was his usual dangerous and relentless self, it’s becoming clear that Mainoo better fits the profile that Amorim wants.
Mainoo’s tendency to float behind the striker leaves the left wing-back with more space to attack, meaning United can better overload their numbers in the front line, which Amorim will be hoping the club do more often next season.
#2 – Amass is ready for the first team next season
Toward the back end of the 2024/25 competitive campaign, United saw a few youngsters make their debuts, with left-back Harry Amass making seven appearances, including four starts in the Premier League.
He has continued to go from strength to strength as he becomes more used to senior action, and every minute he plays makes it feel as if he is becoming a ready-made wing-back for Amorim next season.
With another “bright” performance from Amass from both a defensive and attacking perspective on display from Amass against Hong Kong, he’s proving every day that he is ready-made for Amorim’s wing-back role next season.
#3 – Obi finally off the mark for United
Obi’s transfer from Arsenal to United toward the back end of 2024 was one of the most well-documented transfers of an Academy player, with many excited to see the young striker develop into the first team.
However, despite eight appearances, including one start, he wasn’t able to find the back of the net for the senior side, although his very tidy finish against Hong Kong and follow-up headed offer finally saw him somewhat off the mark for his new club, given that it was a friendly tie.
He is expected to play a significant role for United once pre-season kicks off in July and start to embed himself as a first-team player next season, which will be a welcome boost for Amorim amid his side’s need for more goals.
#4 – Could this have been Fernandes’ final minutes for United?
Amid the frenzy of the post-season tour, there is also a major question surrounding the future of club captain Fernandes.
Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United 3-1 Hong Kong (Post-Season Friendly)
Saudi Pro League side have put a huge four-year contract on the table worth around £80 million that Fernandes has seven days to accept, with the side prepared to pay whatever United demand, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Following five and a half seasons at Old Trafford after his move to United in 2020, it is entirely possible that the fixture against Hong Kong was Fernandes’ final in United red.
#5 – A season to forget is finally over
It almost feels like watching United’s performances in Malaysia and Hong Kong has been a punishment for such a horrid season across all competitions in 2024/25.
After a 1-0 loss against the ASEAN All-Stars, the 3-1 win against Hong Kong was more positive, as United fans got to see some young stars, such as Lacey, Obi, and Amass, play across the two ties.
Finally, the season is finished, and it’s one that United fans will want to erase from their collective memories. Bring on the summer transfer window.
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