Manchester United's US Tour

Nestled opposite Dean Martin Drive and shielded by the impressive $1.9bn Allegiant Stadium from scorching 40C heat and desert winds sweeping across the Mojave Desert, Manchester United's much-anticipated US tour reached its conclusion with a mixed bag of results. The tour, comprising of pre-season friendlies, yielded one victory but also saw the team endure three disappointing defeats, the latest being a narrow 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund. However, beyond the final scoreline, the matches were marked by a series of defensive blunders that proved costly for the Red Devils.

Borussia Dortmund's winning goal in the encounter with Manchester United emerged from a glaring defensive blunder. The misplaced pass from Aaron Wan-Bissaka gifted the ball to Marco Reus, who, in a swift combination with Julian Brandt, set up Youssoufa Moukoko to seal Dortmund's victory over the skilled André Onana.

While pre-season friendlies are typically considered a part of the "phoney war" period, Erik ten Hag and his squad could not overlook the significance of their losses to Wrexham (3-1, against a junior team) and Real Madrid (2-0) after securing a promising 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the tour opener. These defeats serve as a reminder that there is no room for complacency, even in friendly encounters.

Amidst the disappointments, Manchester United found a glimmer of hope when Antony's equalizer salvaged a draw in the second half against Dortmund. Prior to this, Donyell Malen's two goals had quickly handed the German side a lead, within a mere 18 seconds, exposing a momentary lapse in United's defensive concentration.

Adding to the excitement of the match, Diogo Dalot showcased his skills with a remarkable 20-yard finish, leaving Dortmund's goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel, utterly helpless. The goal, set up by Donny van de Beek's well-timed assist, brought a brief moment of joy for the United fans.

Erik ten Hag's chosen lineup for the match did not consist of his strongest players, featuring 11 changes from the previous games. The inclusion of lesser-known players such as Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire, and the 19-year-old attacker Omari Forson was perhaps an attempt to assess the team's depth and versatility. The decision to relieve Maguire of the captaincy for the night and pass it to Scott McTominay could be interpreted as a display of tough love from the manager, considering Maguire's recent struggles with low confidence.

Maguire's on-field performance was hindered by the confusion in United's defensive positioning. At times, Victor Lindelöf was seen adopting a "John Stones" defensive midfield role, with Brandon Williams overlapping from the left-back position. These lapses left the team vulnerable, exposing them to counter-attacks from Dortmund's agile attacking players.

The first half also witnessed an aggressive clash between Omari Forson and Julian Ryerson, leading to both players receiving bookings. Ten Hag promptly substituted Forson to address the situation, a move that demonstrated the manager's commitment to maintaining discipline and harmony within the team.

As the first half drew to a close, United's defense crumbled under Dortmund's relentless pressure, conceding two quick goals to Malen. Maguire's deflection of the ball onto his own crossbar from a corner further accentuated the team's defensive struggles, leaving the English defender frustrated.

Antony's goal in the second half brought hope for a potential comeback, but despite introducing key players such as Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martínez, and Marcus Rashford, United could not overturn the result.

The tour's conclusion at the Allegiant Stadium, with a capacity of 61,100, was not marked by a sell-out crowd for Manchester United's inaugural match in America's vibrant gambling capital. However, this aspect should not overshadow the opportunities for growth and improvement that lie ahead for the team.

As the squad departs Las Vegas, Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff will have much to ponder. The errors and lapses in the US tour should serve as valuable lessons, providing a roadmap for addressing weaknesses and fine-tuning strategies before the start of the new season. While the results may not have been ideal, the tour offered an invaluable opportunity to assess the squad, test different combinations, and strengthen team dynamics.

As Manchester United returns to their home turf, the journey towards success will continue, and with dedication, discipline, and determination, the team can strive to reach new heights in the upcoming season.