Manchester United were beaten 4-1 by Liverpool in the International Champions Cup in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Liverpool won two penalties in the game, the first scored by Sadio Mane. Andreas Pereira scored the equaliser from an impressive free-kick before Xherdan Shaqiri putting Liverpool ahead in the second half. Another penalty, through Oluwaseyi Ojo, saw United 3-1 down with Shaqiri scoring a spectacular goal to win the game 4-1.
Liverpool created a lot more in the match, which was partly because of the players they had in the first half, with United missing many first team players because of injury and the FIFA World Cup. Andreas Pereira’s free-kick will be the main thing to remember from this match, something to boost the confidence of the youngster ahead of what will be an important season for him.
Alexis Sanchez did not get as much luck as he did against Milan, although he did have a chance to claw back a goal, despite bring 4-1 down at the time, missing the target completely. I am sure Mourinho will not be too caught up in the defeat, it being a pre-season fixture with nothing more than fitness to worry about. Of course, it is never good seeing United lose, but let the Liverpool supporters brag and get carried away here.
Manchester United
13 Lee Grant
Had another good game in a United shirt. Made a few good saves but was unable to stop Mane's penalty, although he guessed the right way to dive but the penalty was heading straight for the corner. Commanded his area and tried to direct the defence, with some frustration.
36 Matteo Darmian
His ball work needs to be much better which is one of the main reasons why he is not playing the number of matches he would like to. His ball to Sanchez was poor. Not the best or performances from the Italian. It looks like he wants to leave and has no desire to improve at the club, possibly knowing he will be heading out the exit soon.
24 Timothy Fosu-Mensah
The Dutchman had some good moments and some bad moments in the match against Liverpool, which is to be the case this early in pre-season. I like the way he gets stuck in but his inexperience and lack of fitness should not see him be judges early.
3 Eric Bailly
Drafted in as a precaution for an injured Smalling, albeit minor. The best defender on the pitch by a country mile. Did what he needed to do in the first half of the match.
38 Axel Tuanzebe
Tuanzebe is relatively inexperienced. I would expect him to be loaned out to a club who would use him this season. He needs to be playing competitive football and at United, that is not going to be the case for him.
35 Demetri Mitchell
Gave away the penalty for Liverpool after a foul on Salah in the box, which the Egyptian going down a bit too easily.
21 Ander Herrera
Captained United against Liverpool. Led his team into the game, which was never going to be taken as a friendly by these players. Got stuck into the game and generally did what he needed to do. Gave away the second penalty for Liverpool, seemingly handing Liverpool the victory.
39 Scott McTominay
Did not have the best game in the centre if midfield. It was never going to be a match where United would shine, knowing the strength of squad Liverpool had ahead of the game.
15 Andreas Pereira
Scored the equaliser for United with a stunning free-kick. His return this summer will be great for United, who will have another midfielder capable of playing well but also another player capable of taking set-pieces
8 Juan Mata
Could have scored two goals in the first half but he was flagged offside for both. The Spaniard was fired up to face the enemy, as any United player would be.
7 Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean was left frustrated against Liverpool, especially with Darmian's balls into the box, which were nowhere near him. Looked ready to take the game by the scruff of the neck though.
Substitutes
40 Joel Castro Pereira
Replaced Grant 46'. Conceded three goals in the second half, one a penalty as United set themselves up for their first pre-season defeat this summer. It was 50/50 for the penalty but he was well and truly beaten by Shaqiri both times .
Ro-Shaun Williams
Replaced Herrera 80'. Hardly got involved in the game but made his first appearance for the first team on the pre-season tour.
44 Tahith Chong
Replaced Mitchell 72'. His pace could have been a problem for Liverpool but the game was already in the bag for the Merseysiders.
17 Fred
Replaced Mata 72'. Made his United debut. Got involved in his cameo but will not be anywhere near fully fit after linking up with the team only a few days ago.
47 Angel Gomes
Replaced Sanchez 80'. Had a ten minute cameo but could not get all that much involved in the game in so little time with United chasing the game.
46 Joshua Bohui
Replaced Tuanzebe 80'. Made his first appearance for the first team on the pre-season tour. Unable to do much with United trailing in the game.
Goals: Andreas Pereira 30′
Manchester United: Grant (J. Pereira 46′); Darmian, Fosu-Mensah, Bailly, Tuanzebe (Bohui 80′), Mitchell (Chong 72′); McTominay, Herrera (Williams 80′), A. Pereira; Mata (Fred 72′), Sanchez (Gomes 80′)
Substitutes Not Used: Shaw; Garner, Hamilton; Greenwood
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