Manchester United manager Michael Carrick emphasized the importance of player autonomy following the team’s 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in a pre-season friendly held in Gothenburg. United fell behind early as Ibrahim Mbaye scored from close range in the second minute, finishing off a cross from Dro Fernandez. However, Manchester United gradually recovered, creating several chances and testing PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov before Bryan Mbeumo equalized in the 32nd minute with a low shot following a pass from Amad.
Carrick described the contest as a positive exercise in problem-solving for his squad, expressing that he prefers players to work through challenges on their own rather than receiving constant tactical instructions from the sidelines. “It is good for the boys to problem-solve and find their own way,” Carrick said. “I don’t want to always give them the answers when we don’t have to because it prepares them for the new season as well. There were some good signs there.”
New signing Youri Tielemans made his debut for the club, coming off the bench, while fellow newcomer Andrey Santos featured for over an hour, demonstrating promise. However, the match brought an early injury concern as Mason Mount had to leave the field in the first half. Despite dominating possession and chances in the second half, Manchester United could not find a winning goal.
Following the fixture in Sweden, Manchester United are scheduled to continue their pre-season preparations with a training camp in Dublin. Key player Marcus Rashford is set to join the squad there ahead of United’s clash with Leeds at Croke Park on Wednesday. The team will then travel to Wroclaw, Poland, to face AC Milan, which is managed by former United head coach Ruben Amorim, on Saturday. This stretch of fixtures is intended to sharpen the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.