Defenders
Diogo Dalot (7/10) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (6/10)
The battle for the right-back spot continued during pre-season with Wan-Bissaka seemingly being preferred initially. However, Dalot’s strong display against Borrusia Dortmund which included a stunning outside-the-box goal brought him into the starting line-up against Lens.
Both fullbacks gave a goal away due to a wayward pass (Wan-Bisska for Dortmund’s 3rd and Dalot for Lens’ only) but I have rated the Portuguese international slightly higher due to his stunning goal and overall cleaner performances on the ball.
Lisandro Martínez [Standout Perfomer] (9/10) and Raphaël Varane (7.5/10)
United’s first-choice centre-back partnership was back together after the series of injuries they suffered last season.
Martinez was impeccable on the ball as usual while also demonstrating some good old-fashioned crunching tackles in the process.
Varane was also at his expected high level when it comes to defending in the box, however, he was rather awkward on the ball, thus receiving a lower rating than his Argentine teammate.
Harry Maguire (7/10) and Victor Lindelöf (6/10)
The second-choice centre-back partnership were not quite on Varane and Martínez’s level.
They largely struggled against Borussia Dortmund, with Lindelöf registering an error leading to a goal.
Maguire did the same in the game against Atheltic Bilbao but was solid apart from that, even managing to assist Facundo Pellistri in the dying moments.
They will struggle to get into the first 11 as it stands, mainly due to the level Varane and Martínez are operating at.
Luke Shaw (8/10) and Álvaro Fernández (7.5/10)
The young Spanish left back Álvaro had a very successful loan at Preston North End last season, making 39 appearances in the Championship.
He got the chance to impress Erik ten Hag this pre-season and he certainly took it.
Fernández played two solid halves against Leeds and Lyon plus a full 90 minutes against Wrexham, registering a beautiful assist for United’s only goal.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw was at a very high level once again and there are no doubts that he will be United’s starting left-back this season.
