Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United are ramping up preparations for the PSG game, and three things were clear to see in their latest training session.
PSG are the most high-profile opposition Man Utd will play this pre-season, so it’s good for Michael Carrick that his cavalry is returning.
Noussair Mazraoui, Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, and Bruno Fernandes are the latest to return, and all will be expected to play a part in this one.
Here are three things we noticed in the latest Man Utd training as Diogo Dalot’s importance became clear and JJ Gabriel made sure he belongs.
Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
1- Diogo Dalot is the heartbeat of Carrington
In the eight-minute video posted on Man Utd’s official YouTube channel, Dalot was probably on the screen for at least half of it.
From impressing the coaches with his physical feats of fitness to encouraging youngsters and hyping up his teammates, Dalot looks like the heartbeat of Carrington.
It hammers home something a lot of his teammates have said, which is that his quality might divide opinion, but his importance to the dressing room is immense.
He is the sort of character elite teams need to have, as he sets the standards every day in training and with his own professionalism.
The training atmosphere immediately looked to have become more competitive and enjoyable with Dalot at the centre of it.
2- JJ Gabriel belongs
Gabriel training with the senior team isn’t breaking news anymore, because he has started doing so regularly.
However, that still shouldn’t take away from the fact that this is a 15-year-old who is training alongside some of the biggest players in the world.
In the latest video, Gabriel was seen completing the drills at the same level as his much more accomplished teammates, which is no mean feat.
The senior players clearly don’t go easy on him, and Gabriel always looks up to the challenge.
He is far from ready to be a regular first-team player at Old Trafford, but this training time at this level, for his age, is unbelievable.
He is living up to it by making sure he belongs.
3- Youri Tielemans will be helped by Senne Lammens
Youri Tielemans is a seasoned professional who has been playing senior football since he was 16, but a new club adjusting period is never easy.
Getty Images
In the video, Tielemans looks to have found a predictable, safe space for himself, sitting with fellow Belgian Senne Lammens.
Ever the leaders, both Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes approached Tielemans and made him feel welcome, which will help him adjust.
However, until he becomes a proper part of the dressing room, having his international teammate in the squad will help Tielemans immensely.