Preseason friendlies: they are actually very important for a team.

Kabir903

"On July 12th, Manchester United played a preseason friendly match, providing an opportunity to see how the new number 7 jersey owner, Mason Mount, is settling in with the team. From the performance perspective, Mount looked quite impressive, although it's important to remember that this was a preseason game, so it should not be taken as a definitive reference point. This brings up the question of how important preseason friendlies are for a team as they prepare for the upcoming season.

First, let's address why preseason friendlies, despite having limited reference value, are still crucial for every team. The reason preseason matches aren't reliable indicators is that coaches use them to experiment with new tactics and lineups. It's an opportunity to try things out, keep what works, and discard what doesn't. Thus, the performance in preseason matches should not be taken as a reflection of how the team will perform in actual games.

Secondly, even though these matches may not hold much reference value for fans, they are important for the team itself. As mentioned earlier, coaches use this period to fine-tune the team's tactics. Preseason is especially vital because it often coincides with significant player transfers – both incoming and outgoing. This is the time for coaches to evaluate new players and integrate them into the squad.

In fact, this period is a significant test for coaches. Unlike basketball, where a strong trio can often secure championships, football does not necessarily work that way. Strong individual players don't always guarantee success when they come together as a team. A prime example is last year when Paris Saint-Germain boasted a trio of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé but faced a heavy defeat in the UEFA Champions League. Therefore, a good football coach must bring out the best in all players, making one plus one equal to more than two. It's a challenging task that tests a coach's ability and vision, and this is why football is more prone to having ""flops"" compared to basketball.

Seeing Mason Mount's impressive performance in his first appearance for Manchester United in preseason is reassuring. Let's hope that Erik ten Hag can indeed help Mount reach his full potential at the club."

Nimmi373

It's like a long-distance runner who must warm up with a certain amount of time before the race!

Isha000

I usually don't pay much attention to preseason friendlies either.

Yamini003

Mount is also receiving a lot of attention from everyone.