Club America v Manchester Utd: Lessons Learned from International Champions Cup

Manchester United's first International Champions Cup fixture ended in victory at CenturyLink Field, as Club America were defeated by a 1-0 scoreline thanks to a Morgan Schneiderlin goal.

With the likes of Barcelona still to play in the ICC, a tournament United won last summer, a win doubtless boosted United's confidence and intention to take victory once more even as it helped the players' fitness and preparations for the upcoming campaign.

Early in the summer though it is, here are the main takeaways from the game for Louis van Gaal to look at and work on over the forthcoming fixtures.

De Gea Rumours Won't Disappear

The first talking point of Manchester United's game came even before kick-off: David De Gea was left out and Sam Johnstone started in goal.

"

David De Gea and Antonio Valencia have minor injuries. Louis van Gaal: "We don't take risks." #MUtour

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 18, 2015"

While the injury noted may well have been legitimate, it certainly won't stop the rumours and the suggestions that De Gea has played his last game for United, with Real Madrid keen to take him back to Spain, per Simon Stone of BBC Sport—though the signing of Kiko Casilla may mean they accept they'll have to wait another year to do so.

Jon Super/Associated Press

For what it's worth, Johnstone certainly put in a good showing with some smart rushes from goal, some blocks and claims of high balls when called upon in a quiet first half. That said, with Victor Valdes set to depart there is still plenty of uncertainty around the position.

Depay 

Of course, all the new signings were in the spotlight to see how they coped with their first run-outs for Manchester United, but Memphis Depay's position and role in the starting XI was particularly noteworthy.

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

The Dutchman played just off Wayne Rooney in the centre of the attack, the No. 10 position in a 4-2-3-1, and saw plenty of the ball once the game had settled into a rhythm of the English side dominating possession and the Mexicans looking to counter and break at pace.

Depay played a number of incisive and intelligent early balls toward Wayne Rooney through the middle, got himself into the penalty area with frequency and made a few good moves down the right channel in particular. One moment of less impressive decision-making saw him turn down the opportunity to play in Ashley Young for an easy shot on goal, instead attempting an effort himself that was blocked at close quarters by a defender.

"

Young not happy with Depay having a shot when he was better positioned but nothing wrong with a bit of confidence #mufc

— Stuart Mathieson (@StuMathiesonMEN) July 18, 2015"

"

Greedy from Memphis. Mata squares ball to him in the box and he shoots straight at defender when Young was free on the overlap.

— Paul Hirst (@hirstclass) July 18, 2015"

All told, it was an interesting and marginally encouraging, if not blinding, 45 minutes for the former PSV man.

2-Man Midfield Pivot

United started the game with a 4-2-3-1 system in place, markedly different to both the systems largely used last season and also the system it was assumed they would use in this game.

The midfield pairing of Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin was quickly apparent in their positioning: Carrick held his position in the centre, and his new French team-mate roved both behind and in front, intercepting play at times and helping his side begin their own attacks.

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

The former Southampton man's headed goal was a bonus, of course, but it was also an indication of his ability to break late into the penalty area and be an unexpected threat in the final third. The goal aside, Schneiderlin was impressive in the first 45 minutes with his capacity to drift along the midfield line, win back the ball and quickly distribute to those ahead.

It was certainly an encouraging start to his United career, and he was arguably the best player on the pitch in the first half.

Bleacher Report is Official Media Partner of the International Champions Cup North America.

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