Manchester United won 9-8 on penalties after drawing 1-1 with AC Milan in the opening game of the International Champions Cup in Carson, California. Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a sublime finish, however, Suso equalised two minutes later.
Alexis Sanchez was the standout player in this game, showing his class from the opening minute of the game. His finish for his goal was second to none. He had many chances throughout the game but they did not come off. Juan Mata assisted for United’s only goal, also having a few chances himself. There was a lot of creativity from United, this being the best pre-season match so far this summer.
Joel Pereira showed his abilities as a goalkeeper during the second half and the penalty shootout. Jose Mourinho has confirmed that he will head out on loan this summer, aiming to develop into a goalkeeper who could contend with both Sergio Romero and David De Gea in the coming years aye the club. Andreas Pereira had a good game too, earning his chance this coming season.
United will face Liverpool in Michigan on Saturday in a game which kicks off at 22:05 BST in the United Kingdom. Winning this match, the first United have won on tour this summer, will see them seeking to win in 90 minutes against Liverpool on Saturday.
Manchester United
13 Lee Grant
Started his second game for United on pre-season tour and was unlucky to concede his first goal minutes after United took the lead. Commanded his area and dealt with everything else that was thrown at him in the first half.
Matteo Darmian
Captained United against his former club. Defensively, on the right he did what he needed to do but going forward, his crossing was poor. On Fosu-Mensah's introduction, Darmian played in the left-back role. Scored a penalty.
3 Eric Bailly
The Ivorian was solid in defence apart from when Milan scored the opener with a player sneaking around the back of Smalling to beat Grant.
12 Chris Smalling
Saw a Milan player sneak in behind him to score the equaliser after Sanchez's opener. Scored a penalty after being pulled from taking the final one of the first five.
38 Axel Tuanzebe
Played as a central defender in a five-man defence. Perhaps culpable for Milan's equaliser as he did not stick to his area, allowing Suso to run in behind Smalling and find the equaliser. During the water break, he was spoken to by Mourinho, presumably to try and raise his composure during the rest of the match. Scored a penalty.
23 Luke Shaw
Got forward at times, seemingly having the option to do so with United playing five at the back. Helped create for his side, playing well with Sanchez. Played well in the second half, having two shots, failing to score before being replaced by Fosu-Mensah.
21 Ander Herrera
Played well in midfield and had the chance to gain something from the match, unable to hit the back of the net. His presence in midfield helped United at times with the inexperienced McTominay and Pereira. Played well in the second half but was booked in stoppage time. Scored two penalties, including the winning penalty.
39 Scott McTominay
Had a few chances to score but it did not come off for him. This season, the Scotland international will be looking to continue his rise to becoming a first team player. Missed his penalty.
15 Andreas Pereira
The Belgian-born Brazilian is having a good pre-season and seems to be full of confidence ready for the upcoming season. Scored two penalties.
8 Juan Mata
Assisted the first goal, sending Sanchez through and putting United 1-0 up in the 12 minute. Had the chance to put United ahead again but fluffed his lines. Seems to be playing well with Sanchez, which is a great sign.
Alexis Sanchez
Scored the opening goal of the game after being sent through by Mata, hitting a cool finish past Donnarumma. Was very lively through the first half, seemingly aiming to score multiple goals. Looks close to being in scintillating form. Also scored a fine penalty.
Substitutes
Joel Castro Pereira
Replaced Grant 46'. Composed in his position and commanded his area. Seemed confident and dealt with any problem which were sent his way by Milan. Made a few saves during penalties, but missed his own.
24 Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Replaced Shaw 74'. Played well at right-back, cutting passes out and attempting to break forward for his side. May be called upon at the start of the season if Valencia is out of contention due to injury. Scored a penalty.
Ethan Hamilton
Replaced Mata 88'. Came on with two minutes plus stoppage time left. Not long enough to get involved in the game. Missed a penalty.
Goals: Alexis Sanchez 12′
Assists: Juan Mata 12′
Manchester United: Grant (J. Pereira 46′); Darmian, Bailly, Smalling, Tuanzebe, Shaw (Fosu-Mensah 74′); Herrera, McTominay, A. Pereira; Mata (Hamilton 88′), Sanchez
Substitutes Not Used: Mitchell, Williams; Garner, Gomes, Bohui, Chong, Greenwood
Bookings: Ander Herrera 90+1
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