Update: link to second half news and notes
Fresh off a 5-2 destruction of the L.A. Galaxy to begin their preseason, Manchester United headed to Sandy, Utah to face Real Salt Lake in another international friendly. This is the second clash against a MLS opponent, from here United will then face three big clubs in the International Champions Cup.
Real Salt Lake Coach Mike Petke put out his strongest side for his starting XI, and he’ll vary his team in 30 minute increments. RSL actually have a meaningful competition coming up in a couple days, so they play this with one eye on this 90 minutes, another eye on MLS competition. We could see two more units from the Real Monarchs.
Here’s the starting XI Jose Mourinho put out there, and it’s a very strong side. The main story is a first team appearance for both of the summer buys, and that means we all get to see much more of Lukaku.
And how about McTominay? It’s a nice chance for the young promising midfielder.
Jesse Lingard Romelu Lukaku Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Michael Carrick Scott McTominay
Paul Pogba
Daley Blind Phil Jones Victor Lindelof Timothy Fosu-Mensah
Joel Pereira
-The Monarchs had the game’s first real scoring chance, in the 17′ but it was thwarted by Jesse Lingard of all people. We saw some great defending by Lingard on that play.
-RSL struck first, getting the game’s first goal in the 23′. The Monarch’s Jefferson Savarino blew past Lingard, and just cut up the United defense to perfectly feed Luis Silva, who completely embarrassed Phil Jones, and finished clinically. It was Silva’s first goal since 2015.
-Henrik Mkhitaryan drew United level, with an excellent first touch and fabulous finish in the 29′. He also provided the service on United’s next goal.
Real Salt Lake came out very loose, most likely because they were partially focused on their match at the Portland Timbers in 48 hours. It was a stark contrast to Saturday
-Romelu Lukaku scored his first ever goal for United in the 38′. It wasn’t the cleanest first touch, but he made an excellent recovery and accomplished a sweet move that was an easy move for him inside the 18 yard box.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV.
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