Thought we started OK yesterday and got gradually worse as the game went on. The United goal when it arrived had been coming for a while but at least we responded, got the equaliser and won the shoot-out.
Kovacic good, Bobb made his case for a lot more mins this season and Rico was decent. Akanji and Dias deserve credit for playing the entire game having only reported to training this week. The midfield was concern though; the O'Reilly kid just kept overrunning the ball and lost it way too many times to be serviceable in the team on that showing. McAtee did ok and largely passed it to a Blue shirt but we were overrun in midfield second half when our inexperience in that area showed. Savinho had a decent cameo but he will be competing with Doku, Grealish and Bobb for minutes this year in an area we have covered twice over.
We desperately need younger legs and someone who can both play alongside Rodri and also spell him so he needs a rest, without the current huge drop-off when Rodders doesnt play. We also cant go into the season with 33 wide players and only 1 recognised striker. We've trousered £150m plus this summer so funds absolutely must be there - this areas need addressing if we want to be challenging for the 2 big pots.