Manchester United beat Real Madrid 2-1 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Alexis Sanchez opened up the scoring, assisted by Matteo Darmian and Ander Herrera, assisted by Sanchez doubled the lead. Karim Benzema got a goal back at the end of the first half. Real Madrid asked plenty of questions of United’s defence, passing the test.
Sanchez was the Man of the Match for me. A goal and an assist. His pace, added to his athleticism, physicality and the fact he’s had a break this summer could put him into the zone when the new season starts. It looks like he could be leading the line with Romelu Lukaku still on holiday and Anthony Martial, for want of a better description, AWOL. It was a good test against Real Madrid, who played plenty of youth throughout the game.
Ander Herrera’s goal, putting United 2-0 up came after some good play by the Spaniard. Sanchez made the assist after Juan Mata started the attack from the right flank. Sanchez’s vision saw Herrera in a better position, laying the ball on the him, putting United 2-0 up and cruising at the time. Karim Benzema scored a consolation in added time at the end of the first half of the game.
United will be heading back to Manchester through the night, ready for their next game against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Sunday evening. The tour was not the best for the American supporters, which is because of the FIFA World Cup. United were missing 14 first team players ahead of this match, and considering the result, the weakened side did very well, especially only losing once at the hands of Liverpool.
Manchester United
1 David De Gea
Played 90 minutes. Had very little to do in the first half of the game, the only decent chance was Benzema's in the early stages of the half. Good to see him back and ready to start the new season next week. Conceded in stoppage time with Benzema getting Real Madrid back into the game. Put in a few saves in the second half.
3 Eric Bailly
Had a good game defensively, captaining the team against Madrid. Put in a tremendous block, taking one for the team, which brought tears to my eyes. Held firm in the second half with the Spanish side asking plenty of questions of United's defence.
24 Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Put in a good shift in defence. Had everything covered for the majority of the first half, however, United conceded in stoppage time. Played well in the second half with Real Madrid pressuring United's defence.
39 Scott McTominay
Played in a three-man defence, which was a surprise. Many suggest he could be a defender in the future. Put in a few fine tackles. Mourinho could have started something here. Moved to the midfield late in the game before being replaced by Mitchell after seemingly suffering a knock.
Matteo Darmian
Had a good game playing as the right-wing-back. Assisted for United first goal in the game, scored by Sanchez in the 18th minute of the match.
Andreas Pereira
Having the Belgian-born Brazilian back at the club this season gives a new-found depth to the midfield. Playing in the number six role, filling in well, considering he has played more of a wing position for much of his career, so far at least.
17 Fred
Started his first game for United, which is good news ahead of the new season. Played well in the first half as he is finding his feet. Did not seem out of place. However, his lack of fitness showed signs in the second half. The Brazilian was replaced by Tuanzebe in the 68th minute.
23 Luke Shaw
Had some involvement in the left-wing-back position. Got forward a few times. Won United a corner later in the second half.
21 Ander Herrera
Scored United's second goal of the evening after Mata broke forward, passed to Sanchez in the box who set the Spaniard up for the doubler over Madrid.
8 Juan Mata
The Spanish attacking midfielder has been in some good form during pre-season. Set up United's second goal, finding Sanchez after breaking forward, which was then player to Herrera, who scored the second goal. Mata did well in the second half and was replaced in the 82nd minute by Garner.
Alexis Sanchez
Opened the scoring against for United, assisted by Darmian in the 18th minute of the game, playing as the striker once again. Got an assist in Herrera's goal, having the ball played from Mata and thinking ahead to fine Herrera, who found the back of the net.
Substitutes
38 Axel Tuanzebe
Replaced Fred 68'. Put in a shift to keep Real Madrid at bay in the second half, with them in effect camping in United's final third.
35 Demetri Mitchell
Replaced McTominay 79'. Got involved in the match and helped Sanchez during the few attacks with Real Madrid controlling the game in the second half.
James Garner
Replaced Mata 82'. Had an eight minute cameo. Did well against the Champions League holders. Will be pleased to get involved in the game.
Goals: Alexis Sanchez 18′, Ander Herrera 27′
Assists: Matteo Darmian 18′, Alexis Sanchez 27′
Manchester United: De Gea; Darmian, Bailly, Fosu-Mensah, Shaw; Fred (Tuanzebe 68′), A. Pereira, Herrera; Mata (Garner 82′), Sanchez, McTominay (Mitchell 79′)
Substitutes Not Used: Grant, J. Pereira; Williams; Hamilton, Gomes; Chong, Bohui, Greenwood
