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Manchester United drew 1-1 with the Young Boys at Old Trafford in their last Champions League Group F match.
Having already won the group, the Red Devils had the luxury of not having to go all-out against the losing Swiss team in their first match in Bern.
Taking advantage of the situation, Ralph Rangnik dropped a Test XI consisting of Spanish players Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Amad Diallo and Anthony Elanka. The Germans selected just seven substitutes, all of whom were young.
Mason Greenwood opened the scoring in the ninth minute, but Fabian Ryder equalized just before half-time.
That’s where the scoring stopped, with United advancing to group victories and the Young Boys finishing bottom.
Mason Greenwood took the lead in the ninth minute through an acrobatic left foot volley after a cross from Luke Shaw.
The Young Boys drew level at half-time after some inadequate play by Donnie van de Beek. The Dutchman left a position on the edge of his own box, and Fabian Ryder made an unstoppable effort into the top corner, which left Dean Henderson.
After making a positive impact from the bench against Crystal Palace, Greenwood returned to the front line for United.
United’s number 11 made his debut after a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last month, once again demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess.
The 20-year-old Shaw’s cross was clinically finished, but it would have been Greenwood’s workout of possession that would have attracted Ralph Rangnick.
The England International Young Boys defender was constantly pressed, and it was his job rate that gave Juan Mata the best chance.
Greenwood plundered the top of the pitch, then overtook the defender before playing a superb pass to the Spaniard.
With Rangni’s re-deployment in the 4-2-2-2 formation, Greenwood is looking forward to his eye-popping performance to start the Premier League with Cristiano Ronaldo in Norwich on Saturday.
Despite making his second arrival this season, Henderson showed no signs of ring rust, and he looked to impress his new manager.
The Young Boys played a number of balls behind United’s defense, but England International ran again in his line and time.
The 24-year-old was out of his line, playing the role of sweeper keeper as Manuel Neuer does.
Henderson’s ability to sweep is an area of David de Gea’s game that needs to work, but the academy graduate’s shot-stopping skills were also a test from the current Swiss champions.
The fight against David Wagner’s team will be Henderson’s last match in the United shirt this season, and the January loan is a real possibility.
With Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof on leave overnight, Eric Bailey has joined the ranks of United defender Nemanja Matic.
Marking his fifth start of the Ivory season, he put out an impeccable performance.
Composed on possession, aggressive defense and speed of recovery, Bailey showed the qualities he can bring to this United team.
With Rafael Varane back in training, Rangnik will have the full compliment of the center backs to choose from.
German midfielder Anthony Elanka has made his Champions League debut, giving Amad Diallo his first game for United in Europe’s top club competition.
After playing Jesse Lingard in the second half, the Swedish Under-21 international had a great chance to score, but his attempt was saved by Guillome Fivere.
Teden Menge came in for left-back Luke Shaw in the hour for his CL debut. Since Shola Shorthair and Tom Heaton came at the same time, there was a complete contradiction between the next two debutants.
The 17-year-old Shoratier, who previously played for United First Team, made his Champions League debut after coming on for Amad. But the 35-year-old Heaton was playing for United for the first time.
Robbie Savage’s son Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal also made their guest appearances as late replacements.
With Rangni making 11 changes to the starting line-up that beat Crystal Palace on Sunday, the team looked a bit dissenting at times.
We are still too early for his rule at 63 at Old Trafford, but it is important that he gives his senior players much needed rest before the crucial festival matches.
It also gave Rangnik a good opportunity to look at players who have not played much recently and to give some of the club’s emerging players an invaluable experience.
