Manchester United expressed little interest in taking part in the Club World Cup, but the journey has ended early for our rival as Manchester City were eliminated at the hands of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Avoiding the Club World Cup should benefit Manchester United in the long run as Ruben Amorim gets a full pre-season with his first-team squad. That gives him a chance to implement his ideas, evaluate new signings, and allows the players to get a rest.
That won’t be the case for the two Premier League clubs involved in the Club World Cup. Man City have just been eliminated, while Chelsea will take on Palmeiras in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Club World Cup has brought a lot of controversy to football this summer, with low attendances at games and questionable weather conditions. Meanwhile, United fans are looking forward to games returning with pre-season just around the corner.
Amorim’s players will be returning to Carrington for training next week.
Former Man Utd target Marcos Leonardo celebrates goal against Man City in the Club World Cup
Photo by Pedro Monteverde/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Marcos Leonardo scores brace against Man City
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the Club World Cup so far has been Al-Hilal knocking Man City out in the last-16.
Man City opened the scoring in the ninth minute, although they were eventually punished for missing a series of opportunities on goal as Marcos Leonardo and Malcom replied after the break.
Pep Guardiola’s side forced extra time through a goal from Erling Haaland, before Phil Foden snatched another equaliser following Kalidou Koulibaly’s headed finish.
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Former United target Leonardo completed his brace in the 112th minute as the Saudi Arabian side produced a major upset. The striker was previously linked with a move to Old Trafford that never materialised but he has now proven that he can get the better of Premier League defenders.
Leonardo joined Benfica amid links to United, but only spent one year at the club before joining Al-Hilal. He has yet to make a senior appearance for the Brazil national team after representing the country at U16 and U20 level.
It remains to be seen in Leonardo will return to Europe at any stage of his career.
Man Utd add new striker to shortlist as search continues
Two years on, United may have a different manager in the dugout, but the search for a goalscorer is ongoing.
Rasmus Hojlund hasn’t lived up to expectations, which has led to United being linked with several options in the summer transfer window. Questions over United’s attack have led to Hojlund being linked to a move away from the club in the summer.
From Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres to Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace.
The latest striker under consideration is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Watkins has scored 75 Premier League goals in 184 matches, which is an impressive record and shows he can guarantee goals in the top flight.
United have already signed Matheus Cunha with Premier League experience, and the same applies if they secure Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.