12 Aug 2026 20:04:55
I know it's only 30 mins and not fair yo judge on one performance but Tyler Fletcher doesn't seem to be as aware and alert as he needs to be. He was caught in possession early on and that should have been a warning to him but he was caught again for Leeds goal.
Big step up for the lad and I hope he doesn't let his head drop.
12 Aug 2026 20:52:31
I thought he looked pretty solid but took the safe option too often. He's also 19, so let's give the kid a break.
12 Aug 2026 21:13:33
Been watching the game. They really need to get another proper striker in the squad. Playing Mbuemo or Cunha up there doesn't really work, as they often drop deep, and when there is a chance to cross it in, there's nobody in the box.
12 Aug 2026 21:35:03
Penalties, not bothered about, win on pens whatever, but the game itself showed what we have said: lb, cm and st still needed.
12 Aug 2026 22:05:55
Lads, in no way, shape or form can we judge anything from that game.
12 Aug 2026 22:21:31
Sell Zirkzee and Rashford and get a proper back up 9. We have a lot of flexibility in forward positions, but are lacking a 9 that is available when needed.
Also looking light in cm.
I think we will bring a cm, but not sure we will see a striker. With Rashford difficult to move, we could be stuck with him as a back up striker.
Don't see him getting many minutes, and there could be trouble.
Need a few loans for younger players, to get them proper experience. But there is still business to do.
Squad looks pretty happy though.
12 Aug 2026 22:43:53
Some reflections on what was admittedly a friendly game.
Mee had a good game.
Both full backs got caught out first half, and Amass still needs more experience and bulking up, so should go out on loan. We def need a left back as cover for Shaw, and to integrate as his not so long term replacement.
Am much happier now we have Santos in midfield. I thought Colyer did ok when he came on, but the Fletcher boys could do with a year at a top Championship team.
Zirksee is a real conundrum for me.
You can see how skilful he is and how he can link the midfield and attack, but will never be a number 9, which is what we really lack. He is a good squad player to have, but can't see him getting much game time.
In attack Mbwuemo has profited from a rest and looked very lively, but he is not a true number 9. Also, I wish he had a bit more pace to run away from defenders. The really elite forwards can.
I wonder if Carrick will play Rashford centrally in the absence of Sesko. If not, we def need a fast striker.
13 Aug 2026 06:55:34
Angel
Pre-season is no major judge. I agree with you, but you can see player weaknesses in areas. It's not changed since the end of last season because it has not been addressed.
13 Aug 2026 09:47:54
It was a good run out for most and a great atmosphere.
Fans of opposing colours sitting beside each other the way it should be.
Amass looks like he needs a loan or exit.
Colleyer looked like the loan spells did him the power of good. He will be a good signing for someone, imo.
No news, but we do need a lb. Shaw is very average and no decent back up.
Striker needed if Rashford leaves, imo.
Cm, im delighted with the 2 new guys.
Wouldn't mind another with a fully defensive profile, but personally I think the need for a cb is greater at this stage.
Heaven is still showing his naivety in nearly every game. Jumps in too early and is caught out positionally again. Not always aware of his surroundings. 19 is still too young to be a fully fledged starting cb in the EPL.
Yoro looked a lot better last night. He looks like he has filled out and doesn't look as scrawny.
13 Aug 2026 10:22:51
I thought we were excellent for 30 minutes, and we should have been out of sight. But then the game got very bitty with all the changes, and the energy levels dropped off.
I agree with a lot of the above. Collyer looked a much better fit. Heaven is impulsive; he got right in the ref's face at one stage, and Big Bry is flying. The Fletcher twins need to be toughened up, and a loan would help, but apparently that isn't happening.
Surely sending 1 on loan would make sense?
We still have Mainoo, Sesko, and Martinez to ease back in. I think LB should be the priority, and I would go all in for Hall.
Slightly concerned about Sesko not featuring yet, although rumours suggest he could play against Milan.
Finally, I hope we kick Milan's ass.
13 Aug 2026 12:40:41
When looking at the youth players from what I've seen of pre-season so far it's clear that some are closer than others to being ready for the first team.
Shea Lacey looks ready and has been impactful every time he's been on the pitch. He's the one for me who looks most ready to step up.
Harry Amass has looked pretty solid most of the time, and a threat going forward at times. However, I think against Leeds we saw that he's maybe not quite there yet, a little naive at times still when defending, and not as dangerous going forward when up against EPL level players who are close to full fitness. I think we can see why the club is looking at a loan or even a sale of Amass if they can bring in a top level LB this summer. I think he's probably 6 months to a year of regular football away from being ready for the EPL on a regular basis.
JJ Gabriel looked bright in his cameo, but physically I think he's a year or two away from really being able to compete against the kind of physical players that you find in the EPL. Much will depend on how his body develops, we are in a slightly tricky situation with him as I'd say he could benefit from a loan abroad to a less physically demanding league like the Netherlands or Belgium, something that is a step up from youth football, but isn't too big of a step for where his body is in terms of his physical development. However, he can't go out on loan until he's 18 as he's still a child. He's in that unfortunately gap where he's too good for youth football and needs something more challenging to continue to develop, but his physical level isn't ready for professional football in England as it's too rough. This was the same problem Angel Gomes had. I hope the club can find a solution.
The Fletcher twins have looked decent, but it's obvious they are still a long way from being ready for the first team. Both could do with a good loan spell to get extra game time at a higher level.
Dan Amner looks a little raw still, probably another season with the under 21's before a loan next season. Same for Jim Thwaites I think.
Tynan Thompson looked decent yesterday, at times though his inexperience showed. With him making the wrong decision and maybe trying too hard to impress. I'd maybe look at a 6 month loan to a Championship club for him to get regular minutes, as he's one that could maybe come back after Christmas and if he's developed a bit he could be ready to play some minutes in the first team if we need, or send him back on loan if he'll do better getting more game time and we don't have a strong need for him.