At the end of the 2023 season Coach Wayne Rooney pointed out that he had undergone significant learning that year. Players expressed appreciation for his emphasis on flexibility and he returned the compliment by citing the development of the many youngsters during the season, “The young lads have been excellent today – – I’m a big believer of giving young players a chance.” He went on to cite five who return this year, Matai Akinmboni, Kristian Fletcher, Ted Ku-Dipietro, Jackson Hopkins, and Hayden Sargis. They will be joined by Gabriel Pirani, whom he left out and new signee Matti Peltola from Finland.
Rooney had a constantly changing roster as a variety of seriously impactful players came and went. His most obvious experiment was employing five defenders to funnel attacks down the center to be foiled by congestion.
The tactic also gave wide defenders greater freedom to advance. While minimizing opponents’ scoring, it only worked when current holdover Mateusz Klich was paired with Lewis O’Brien who returned to Nottingham Forest late in the season. In short, Rooney was forced to adjust to personnel situations throughout the season with sufficient solid journeyman players, but a lack of impact players.
The 2023 loan acquisition of Pirani to lead midfield creativity, solidified by finalizing his permanent status this year, points to a brighter future in midfield with the signing of Peltola. Combining their youthful promise with the experience of Klich and possibly Russell Canouse may address transition. Young players Jackson Hopkins and Ted Ku-Dipietro (Ku) should lend solid developing depth.
However, if Ku is used in midfield, the attack will have only the exceptional Christian Benteke for impact. Lesesne might choose to pair Benteke’s target role with Ku’s slashing transitions to force coverage issues on opposing defenders thereby opening up playing time for Hopkins.
The big mystery and greatest problem is with a major rebuild of United’s defense. The loss of Captain Steven Birnbaum for at least the first month further complicates planning. Victor Pallson’s departure last season took away Birnbaum’s primary replacement as defensive controller. Based on his resume’, new signee Christopher McVey seems the best choice.
He will have help from very few returnees from last year as Donovan Pines and Brendan Hines-Ike have been replaced with Conner Antley and Garrison Tubbs. A bright spot is Matai Akinmboni who showed strong growth last year. If Peltola is pulled back, Lesesne may choose from among several occasional starters from last year to round out his back four. Among those might be Sargis at age 21. Still, defense remains a huge question.
The ultimate defender is the keeper and here too the coach has a problem with injury to starter Tyler Miller. Alex Bono performed quite well when he filled in last year and the net should be in good, if thoroughly challenged, hands.
The opener Saturday against New England should reveal at least some of Lesesne’s strategy along with some signs of the progress of the many young players he has under his tutelage. The schedule gives him little time to sort out the mix of experience and youth with games against Cincinnati and Miami in the next month.
Fans can expect a similar experience to last year with frustration and hope as the team yet again undergoes reorganization. If the youngsters fulfill their promise this year the story may have a happy ending with post season play.
DC United
