ICC 2016: Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Manchester United - 10 Takeaways
In the first game of the International Champions Cup, Manchester United succumbed to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in Jose Mourinho’s second match in charge of the Old Trafford outfit. Gonzalo Castro scored a brace for the Signal Iduna Park outfit, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and new singing Ousmane Dembele also got on the scoresheet. For Mourinho’s side new recruit and former Dortmund forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the consolation goal.
#1 Manchester United are heavily reliant on David De Gea
Jose Mourinho took a risk by playing Englishman Sam Johnstone in goal. It backfired as the 23-year-old made a few schoolboy errors which instilled panic in the defense, eventually leading to a goal. A fumble from a long range free-kick led to Gonzalo Castro’s opener. His saves were not convincing and lacked conviction. With error-prone Sergio Romero and Sam Johnstone in his team, Jose Mourinho will be praying for David De Gea’s health over the course of the season.
#2 Borussia Dortmund are a well-oiled machine
Without the likes of FIFA Cover star Marco Reus, Roman Burki and Mario Gotze, Dortmund played very good football. Their passing was brilliant and the occasional burst of pace from Dembele and Aubemeyang troubled the inexperienced United defenders. Dortmund made good use of possession and punished Manchester United on a timely basis.
#3 Memphis Depay should be worried
Memphis had a very average first season at Manchester United after his big money move from PSV. The Manchester United fans didn't actually get on his back owing to the fact that he is only 21-years of age and came into a new league and new culture.
In the game against Borussia Dortmund, he showed exactly what his wrong with his game, he played in his favored position of a striker, but he showed minimal application, he didn't hold up the ball nor did he link up well with his teammates. Further, he showed poor attitude when Dortmund had the ball. Despite it only being a preseason game, Jose Mourinho is unlikely to be pleased by the efforts of the Dutchman.
#4 Dortmund have had a brilliant transfer window
Gotze, Mor, Rode, Bartra, Schurrle and Dembele represents a very impressive transfer window. Dembele in the game showed exactly what the fuss is about the French teenager, dribbling with both feet, turning defenders inside out, and finishing with aplomb.
Rode might just fill the big shoes of the departing Gundogan, he was brilliant in the game against United, picking out long passes at will, and intelligently keeping the ball and controlling the tempo of the game. Take a bow Hans-Joachim Watzke.
#5 Juan Mata is one of United’s best players
It is well known that Jose Mourinho and Juan Mata are not the best of friends. However, the Portuguese manager must make amends after the Spaniard’s display against the German team. Mata ran tirelessly and won possession on numerous occasions. His passing was a major plus. The through ball which led to Mkhitaryan’s goal justifies his abilities. With a bit more support and encouragement from his manager, Mata could play a key role in United’s pursuit of the Premier League title this season.