Daniel James features in two good, two not so good from Man United v Perth Glory friendly

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  • Instinctive second-half finishes from Marcus Rashford and James Garner saw Manchester United kick-off their pre-season commitments with a comfortable 2-0 win against weakened A-League Grand Finalists Perth Glory.

    The England striker produced an expert, first-time effort on the turn upon the hour mark at Optus Stadium in a fixture from which summer buys Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka debuted, plus two separate XIs took to the field Down Under. England Under-18 midfielder Garner would then lash in a thunderous low drive on 85 minutes to complete the predictably one-sided victory.

    Glory had provided dogged opposition throughout, utilising an entrenched five-man defence to cover the absences of several key players such as ex-Republic of Ireland forward Andy Keogh.

    Here, Sport360 picks out two Red Devils performers who excelled and two whose displays will provide manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with food for thought:

    TWO GOOD

    Daniel James

    Ignore the paltry opposition, multiple half-time changes or nascent stage of pre-season this fixture came in.

    For the opening 45 minutes, James offered United something they have lacked for much of the last decade – unalloyed pace.

    The £15 million pick-up from the Championship’s Swansea City was a constant outlet, plus an invaluable out-ball over the top against a packed rearguard. A succession of low crosses were pumped in by him from either flank, the best being blazed over by fellow speedster Diogo Dalot.

    Abundant promise that he must now deliver on.

    Marcus Rashford

    Much is being staked on Rashford’s proficiency in front of goal by United striking great Solskjaer.

    With Belgium centre forward Romelu Lukaku watching on from the stands, amid a reputed minor injury concern and transfer talks with Inter Milan, the 21-year-old made a small delivery on his manager’s faith. His swivel from wantaway midfielder Paul Pogba’s deflected flick and sweet low strike must be repeat when the competitive action begins.

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    TWO NOT-SO-GOOD

    Marcos Rojo

    It is a symptom of United’s dysfunction that the errant Argentina defender remains on the payroll.

    The 29-year-old was a man on a mission at the Optus – but this individual streak was not a positive. He fired in a ridiculous long-range shot from distance, regularly charged out of the backline and had to be covered by the diligent Chris Smalling.

    The sooner he is gone, the better.

    Tahith Chong

    The Netherlands youth international put in a perfectly adequate display, even coming close to winning a first-half penalty after a driving run into the box.

    His display, however, did not hold a favourable comparison to those put in by fellow starlets Angel Gomes, 18, and Mason Greenwood, 17, after the break. The diminutive former-mentioned looked to have taken a development leap, while the incessant Greenwood oozed danger and nearly shattered the far post with a fierce low shot.

    These kids will get chances to shadow the wide areas in Solskjaer’s 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 set-up. Chong, 19, might not get many more opportunities to impress.

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