Reds come from behind to claim second win
Its two wins from three for Michael Carrick this pre-season as they came from behind this afternoon to beat Atletico Madrid. Unlucky to be behind at half-time, a double from Bryan Mbeumo gave them the win. He will be glad that plenty impressed again ahead of the new season.
It was a setback for Diego Simeone as he prepares for the start of La Liga season. Despite an early lead, they seldom looked in control of the game. he will be hoping for more signings in the coming weeks to prepare for it.
Michael Carrick made just two changes from the side who beat Rosenborg comfortably last time out. Tom Heaton started in goal with Radek Vitek on the bench with Altay Bayinder. The returning Amad Diallo also came in ahead of Joshua Zirkzee.
United were wearing a similar kit and in the same stadium where they won the Europa League in 2017. They did not have a good start though. Atletico won a corner after five minutes that was played short by Koke. Arnau Ortiz whipped in a cross that somehow ended in the back of the net. Both Tom Heaton and Harry Maguire guilty of failing to react in time.
United responded well though. Mason Mount floated a cross to the back post where it was met on the volley by Luke Shaw. Jan Oblak pulled off a decent save to deny him. Amad Diallo then had a free kick that took a deflection. Oblak was just about able to stop it with his legs.
Shea Lacey was playing as the designated number ten and he almost conjured up the equaliser. His excellent ball into the area found Bryan Mbeumo. His header went just wide though. Lacey then almost sent his strike partner through with a neat turn and pass.
Despite the team in blue seeing more of the ball, the Spanish side led at the break. They chose to make a raft of changes at the break, whilst Utd just had one.
The good work that Shea Lacey had in the first period was rewarded as United drew level five minutes into the second half. Some smart control took him into the penalty area where he was taken down. Mbeumo stepped up to slot the penalty past the substitute keeper.
More changes came from Atletico and the entire starting lineup were now off. United made some of their own with 20 minutes to go and soon they were ahead. Jack Fletcher did well to win the ball in the opposition half and fed it through to Mbeumo. He remained calm as the keeper charged out to slot it home from close range.
He was unable to land his hat-trick as young prodigy JJ Gabriel made his first start for the senior team with ten minutes to go. He had a late chance to seal the game, but was unable to get his shot off. Morten Hjulmand almost equalised late on at the other end. His effort came back off the post with Heaton beaten.
A job well done at the end. There might not be many celebrating the Snapdragon Cup win, but hopefully it isn’t the last silverware fans see being lifted. The task gets tougher as Utd face PSG next Saturday in Gothenborg again. Atletico will be facing Manchester City in Seoul next Sunday meanwhile.
Atletico Madrid: Jan Oblak (Salvi Esquival 46), Jorge Dominguez (Javier Bonar 62), Robin Le Normand (Jose Gimenez 46), David Hancko (Dani Martinez 61), Matteo Ruggeri (Romeso Hueso 61), Obed Vargas (Rodrigo Mendoza 46), Koke (Morten Hjulmand 46), Jorge Castillo (Iker Luque 61), Arnau Ortiz (Sergio Esteban 61), Carlos Martin (Tomas Lemar 61), Ademola Lookman (Arnau Sola 61).
Subs not used: Aleksa Puric, Dani Rubio, Miguel Cubo
Manchester United: Tom Heaton, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire (Daniel Armer 72), Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw (Harry Amass 72), Mason Mount, Andrey Santos (Jim Thwaites 82), Amad Diallo (Jack Fletcher 46), Shea Lacey (Joshua Zirkzee 72), Patrick Dorgu (Ethan Williams 72), Bryan Mbeumo (JJ Gabriel 82).
Subs not used: Altay Bayinder, Tyler Fletcher, Radek Vitek, Dermot Mee, Jaydan Kamason, .
Booked: Ayden Heaven (50)
Referee: Adam Ladeback
Attendance: N/A
Simply Red Man of the Match: Mason Mount
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