Dortmund’s Pre-Season Triumphs: Dortmund has enjoyed an impressive pre-season, securing victories in all five of their friendlies this summer. Their attacking prowess has been on full display, amassing an aggregate score of 21-5 in these matches. The team’s current form indicates a promising start to the upcoming season.
Reus Emerges as Top Scorer
Former captain Marco Reus has been in remarkable form during the pre-season friendlies, emerging as Dortmund’s most prolific scorer. So far, he has netted four goals, showcasing his importance to the team’s attacking lineup.
Brandt’s Productive Performance
Julian Brandt proved to be Dortmund’s most productive attacking outlet in the previous season, contributing nine goals and eight assists from a midfield position. His performances have been vital in providing support to the team’s frontline.
Sancho’s Memorable Spell at Dortmund
Before his move to Manchester United in 2021, Jadon Sancho left a lasting mark on Dortmund’s history. In four seasons with the German club, he amassed an impressive tally of 38 goals and 51 assists. His contributions to Dortmund’s success during his time at the club are noteworthy.
Sabitzer’s Transition to Dortmund
New signing Marcel Sabitzer arrives at Dortmund with experience from a previous loan spell at Manchester United. During the second half of the last season, Sabitzer showcased his abilities while on loan from Bayern Munich. His acquisition adds depth and talent to Dortmund’s midfield lineup.
Historical Rivalry
Manchester United and Dortmund share a history of competitive encounters. In the semi-finals of the 1996/97 UEFA Champions League, Dortmund emerged victorious with 1-0 wins both at home and away, eventually lifting the trophy. Since then, the two teams have not faced each other competitively, making their upcoming clash an exciting prospect for fans.
Team Line-ups
Manchester United lined up with a starting XI consisting of Heaton, Dalot, Maguire (c), Lindelof, and Williams in defense. The midfield comprised Eriksen, McTominay, Forson, van de Beek, and Pellistri, while Sancho led the attack. The substitutes included a mix of experienced players like Rashford and Fernandes, as well as promising talents such as Mount and Hannibal.
Dortmund’s starting line-up included Kobel in goal, with Ryerson, Süle, Hummels, and Wolf forming the defensive line. Sabitzer, Can (c), and Brandt occupied the midfield positions, while Malen, Haller, and Adeyemi formed a potent attacking trio. The bench featured players like Reus, Moukoko, Meunier, and Hazard.
Injury Concerns
Both teams faced some injury setbacks. Manchester United’s Diallo, Greenwood, Henderson, Mainoo, Malacia, and Martial were unavailable due to various injuries. On the other hand, Dortmund had to cope without Bynoe-Gittens, Coulibaly, Duranville, Morey, Reyna, and Schlotterbeck, who were also nursing injuries.
Coaching Teams
Erik ten Hag led the coaching staff for Manchester United, while Edin Terzic helmed Dortmund’s team during the pre-season matches.
Looking Ahead
With Dortmund’s dominant pre-season form and the historical rivalry between the two clubs, the upcoming competitive fixture between Manchester United and Dortmund promises to be an exciting spectacle. Fans can eagerly anticipate an action-packed encounter as both teams prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.