Rasmus Hojlund gives exciting glimpse at future as woeful Manchester United record continues

New signings started on the bench

Disappointed, but not surprised was probably the fitting reaction to the Manchester United line-up when team news dropped yesterday.

Much of the build-up to the match had been about the summer arrivals, but only one of them started, with Andre Onana selected in goal and both Rasmus Hojlund and Sergio Reguilon on the bench.

It was perhaps the biggest indication that Erik ten Hag still thinks new arrivals need time to adapt to his style of play as much as they need to get up to match fitness before they can be unleashed.

Hojlund couldn't do any worse than Anthony Martial when he was introduced from the bench, and the midfield still found a way to function despite the absence of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat.

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We should be a lot closer to realising Ten Hag's preferred XI after the international break, but there are still no guarantees that any of the outfield summer signings will be in it immediately.

Defensive pecking order confirmed

It was never in doubt Victor Lindelof would start in central defence with Raphael Varane absent through injury. That tells you everything you need to know about Harry Maguire's situation at the club.

He should have been sold; he is clearly out-of-favour and some fans would even argue Jonny Evans should be ahead of him in the overall defensive pecking order. Yet, it was the England international who was called into action when Lisandro Martinez limped off.

Maguire has value as a last resort to add a physical presence at either end of the pitch, but even in his cameo, there was a clear reminder that he is a square peg in a round hole.

The answer can't always be to throw money at an issue, but fans have every