Mbemo saves the day as Manchester United draw 1-1 with PSG! Tielemans makes debut, Mount injured, Carrick needs more signings

In Gothenburg, a short-handed PSG side held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw. United conceded early but Mbemo, once again playing out of position as a center-forward, netted his second goal in as many games to level the score. Yet the defense looked leaky, and the midfield struggled to control the game, prompting Sir Jim Ratcliffe to dig deep into his pockets for reinforcements.

Compared to previous friendlies, Carrick fielded a stronger lineup. World Cup returnee Mazraoui started at right-back, replacing the makeshift Leny Yoro. The attack remained a false-nine setup, with departing striker Zirkzee on the bench.

However, United fell behind within two minutes. PSG bypassed the Red Devils' high press with quick passing. Eden Heaven failed to cut out a left-wing cross from Dro Fernandez, and Ibrahim Mbaye, a target for Liverpool, slotted home easily past Tom Heaton. United were 0-1 down.

PSG created several threats through left-winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Heaton's saves kept United in the game. Heaven had a poor performance, lunging into a reckless tackle on Kvaratskhelia that should have earned a red card, but the referee showed leniency given it was a friendly.

United suffered a blow in the 20th minute when Mason Mount, who had impressed in pre-season, was caught by a kick. After consulting with three physios on the sideline, he headed down the tunnel and was replaced by Tyler Fletcher. However, Mount walked off freely and later left the stadium in good spirits, signing autographs for fans, indicating the injury is not serious.

Manager Carrick confirmed the substitution was precautionary. "Mason got a kick," Carrick said. "We decided to be cautious and protect him. We've been lucky so far with no injuries, so we want to be careful."

Just after the half-hour mark, United equalized. Amad Diallo used his best asset, winning back possession in the opposition half and feeding Mbemo with his left foot. Mbemo slotted into the far corner to make it 1-1.

The first half ended level. Carrick made two changes at halftime, bringing on Yoro and Diogo Dalot for Heaven and Mazraoui. United, with better fitness, controlled the game, but Mbemo couldn't beat PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov again.

Luis Enrique then brought on João Neves and Vitinha, seizing control of midfield, while Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes shored up the defense, changing the game's momentum. United also made changes, introducing £35m new signing Yuri Tielemans and captain Bruno Fernandes to loud cheers from the stands.

Tielemans showed composure and dictated the tempo. Unfortunately, young Shea Lacey missed a golden chance, failing to hit the target with an open goal. Neither side could find a winner, and the match ended 1-1.

The value of friendlies lies not in results but in identifying issues. One major concern for United is Mount's fitness. The 27-year-old England midfielder has made only 72 appearances in three seasons, averaging 24 per campaign. If Carrick doesn't get a third midfield signing, the Red Devils will face challenges all season.

In defensive midfield, United currently have only Tielemans, André Santos, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mount. If any of them are injured or suspended, Carrick would have to rely on Bruno, Tyler, and Jack Fletcher. The match showed that the Fletcher brothers struggled even in a friendly, let alone crucial Premier League or Champions League games.

United also need to strengthen their defense, especially at left-back. Ironically, when squad lists are announced, the club lists Patrick Dorgu as a defender, but Carrick has always deployed him as a winger, never as a full-back! Clearly, the manager is sending a message to the board that he needs another full-back.

While United's prudent spending is commendable, the team still needs reinforcements in three key positions, with only three weeks left in the summer window. In the current transfer market, acquiring quality players requires huge fees. Though the Red Devils are reluctant to pay top dollar, waiting until Mount or Luke Shaw actually gets injured could be too late.

Against a two-time Champions League winner, United held their own, but it's worth noting that this was only PSG's second friendly, while United played their fourth. Carrick insisted the team is in good shape and looks forward to next week's training camp in Dublin, Ireland, where the full squad will be assembled.

Carrick mentioned the imminent return of the controversial figure Rashford: "I've played with him; I was on the pitch when he made his debut, so we have a connection. Next week in Dublin we'll have a full squad. The team will fly directly there and then face Leeds United on Wednesday. We'll have a few days in Dublin, and the whole squad will be together, including Marcus [Rashford], Kobbie [Mainoo], and Licha [Lisandro Martínez]. That's great. We have two more games next week, and I'm looking forward to seeing the team grow."