Manchester United defeat Barcelona on US tour
By Lee Kilby
"Manchester United made it three wins out of three on their pre-season tour with a 3-1 victory over Champions League winners Barcelona in front of 68,414 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California."
United started the brightest and after eight minutes they were ahead. Wayne Rooney’s put United in front from Ashley Young’s after some poor defending from Barcelona.
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Jesse Lingard doubled the lead when he fired home Tyler Blackett’s cross after Louis van Gaal had replaced his entire starting eleven just after the hour mark.
Rafinha pulled a goal back for Barcelona with a precise volley in the final minute, however it was followed almost immediately by United’s third goal from Adnan Januzaj as Van Gaal’s team struck after a classic United counter attack.
This victory over the European champions is a great sign of progress for Van Gaal. Before the game Van Gaal said the team who start against Barcelona, will more than likely be the team starting against Tottenham in the Premier League opening fixture on 8th August. The biggest competition for places will be in midfield. New signing Bastian Schweinsteiger was an absentee due to a minor injury, and presumably he will play some part against Spurs.
Barcelona did hit the woodwork on three occasions, twice through Luis Suarez, who also had a goal disallowed for offside. The main threat from Barcelona came from Suarez with Messi and Neymar not included due to their participation in the Copa America.
United now have a 100% record from their three US tour games, they only have one match of their pre-season campaign remaining, against Paris St-Germain in Chicago on 29 July. United trio Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo and Javier Hernandez were all scheduled to join up with the United team on tour, however Hernandez was the only player to arrive. Van Gaal revealed in his post-match press conference Marcos Rojo had passport issues.
“No,” said United manager Louis van Gaal when asked if the 27-year-old Argentina winger had flown to San Jose. “I have heard he is not on the plane. I cannot say anything. He was not on the plane.” Di Maria is a target for United’s next opponents, PSG. Their manager Laurent Blanc has said he is “hopeful” of bringing Di Maria to Paris.
With the Premier League starting in less than two weeks, United could still bring in some new players before their opening fixture against Tottenham.
Netherlands international Daley Blind was played in an unfamiliar role of left-centre back, however he did a very good job keeping out Barcelona. New signing Memphis Depay once again played in the number 10 role behind Rooney with Ashley Young and Juan Mata on either flank. With Angel Di Maria’s expected departure, Young and Mata can again establish their positions in United’s first eleven, it will also give a chance for younger players like Januzaj and Pereira to get more chances in Van Gaal’s first team.
Depay has had a notable presence in the United team since his £31 million transfer from PSV.
It is clear the Netherlands international has an eye for goal. He is quick and direct, and is maybe a touch too selfish at times but so was Cristiano Ronaldo when he arrived at Old Trafford. Depay looks to be one of those players who has the knack of making things happen and it looks like he will be an important players for United this season. He tussled with Gerard Pique at the start of the second half as he threatened a second goal.
The 21-year-old’s link-up play with Rooney has been very good. Both have scored on tour following Rooney’s header against Barcelona and United can feel confident about posing a more potent threat domestically than they did last season.
Morgan Schneiderlin played alongside Michael Carrick in the centre of midfield. Together they formed a solid partnership throughout the 60 minutes they played. The France international lacks experience at the highest level however, playing with experienced players such as Carrick and Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin will be able to take his game to the next level.
When Barcelona attacked, United wobbled at the back. The continuing attempt to sign Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos looks like a priority for United. It is no doubt United need a central defender and the game against Barcelona highlighted that issue. However, the deal could cost them one of their star players, David De Gea. The spanish goalkeeper once again stood out for United, his early save from Sergi Roberto helped set United on course for another victory.
Even without Messi and Neymar, Luis Enrique still played a strong Barcelona side. This victory over Barcelona will give Manchester United a welcome boost going into the Premier League season.