Jadon Sancho added to his Manchester United dilemma this summer

If there is something we learned from Erik ten Hag's first summer at Manchester United, it is that you can't read too much into pre-season performances or results.

United were fantastic across their first summer matches a year ago, but started the season with two humiliating defeats. Just as a good set of results counts for nothing when the competitive action begins, the mixed bag this summer will mean nothing when it starts properly in less than a week's time.

It is the same for individual performances, too. A year ago, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho were irresistible in the off-season. They soon became largely irrelevant as competitive football began. Martial has missed the entirety of United's summer schedule this time, while Sancho once again caught the eye with his disciplined attacking performances.

United fans can be excused for getting carried away after Sancho's latest impressive displays, though the important caveat is that he is in the same position as he was a year ago.

Read next: United fans sent into frenzy as club teases Roy Keane announcement

It does at least seem promising that, despite an encouraging summer, Ten Hag is still being cautious. The fact he was leading the line for United on Sunday rather than Saturday suggests that the manager is well aware there is plenty of hard work to do.

Sancho was arguably the standout performer in the draw with Athletic Club in Dublin, impressing with his movement and mobility in the forward line.

The 23-year-old made another compelling case as to why he should lead the line in the Premier League opener against Wolves, though when it really mattered, he still lacked the conviction required from a centre-forward.

What was promising, though, were the runs he made