The reds are back – Full review of the first game of the season.

There’s nothing better than the feeling of the first game of the season, but did the reds truly deliver?

16/08/24

There’s always a massive range of emotions that come with the first game of the season. This year was no other. It definitely felt like all eyes were on us on Friday, especially with it being the first game of the weekend. The atmosphere was good around the ground and a quick stop at the pub near the Trafford Bridge definitely got me and my old man back into the feeling.

It felt like there was a general feeling of reluctance after the lineups were announced. It was unfortunate not to see De Ligt starting, however I was excited to see how Mazraoui would get on, as previously it would have been Wan-Bissaka who would fill in at right-back. Nevertheless, optimism was still the predominant feeling.

We got to our seats in the Stretford End about 2 minutes before ‘This Is The One’ started to ring out around the Theatre Of Dreams. We saw the same faces we’ve seen for the last 17 years in their seats, which gave me the same feeling you get when you get back home after being on holiday.

The atmosphere in the Stretford End is always booming, however today was special. Everyone was definitely up for the game and this feeling was reciprocated through the sheer noise of the Stretford Enders. Throughout the summer, there were some corporate seats taken out from the lower tier of the Stretford End and were changed into regular seats. To say this made an impact would be an understatement. From start to finish, it was bouncing.

A huge desire to win was definitely present in the team. There were some amazing passages in linkup play where you could see the team gelling together nicely. However, a huge problem was definitely the absence of Rasmus Højlund. A few times throughout the game there were balls being played into the box and put into perfect positions, however lacked an end product. It easily could have been 3-0 with a recognised striker.

Joshua Zirkzee’s impact spoke for itself. 26 minutes was all it took for the substitute to score. It was a different role as to what we would see Højlund play, and a similar one as we seen Weghorst play during his loan spell. Either way I’m really excited to see what he can add to the squad.

To conclude, it was a really promising opening game and I was really impressed with the new signings, especially Mazraoui, who didn’t put a boot wrong all evening.

(Let’s not talk about that Garnacho miss either!)

It’s fair to say the reds definitely pleased.

On to Saturday now where the reds visit Brighton away from home.

Don’t forget to contact us with your opinions on the game, with the possibility of featuring in next week’s blog!

My MOTM: Mazraoui

Biggest impact: Zirkzee

Worst performance: Garnacho (Simply because of that miss)