Mbeumo secures draw against European champions
It is three games unbeaten now in pre-season as the reds claimed a decent draw with PSG today. Behind early on, they forced their way back to draw level before half-time. Despite some injuries they were unlucky to not gain the win.
The double European champions were left holding on by the end. This was despite an early lead and introducing many of their bigger names. They have had a shorter pre-season due to France’s involvement in the World Cup and will hope to be on track when Ligue 1 starts.
Michael Carrick was able to welcome back more of the players involved in the World Cup. Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot both took their place on the bench alongside new signing Youri Tielemans. It was all change on the goalkeeper front. Radek Vitek completed his move to Middlesbrough and Altay Bayinder was set to join Celta Vigo. Dermot Mee and academy keeper Fred Heath took their place on the bench.
The European Champions were still without their French representatives but still had a daunting looking list of substitutes. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia led the attack in a youthful starting eleven.
And it was the Georgian who was at the heart of the move that put the French side ahead within two minutes. He strode through midfield and released an excellent pass around the corner to Dro Fernandez. His low cross evaded the attempted clearance of Ayden Heaven and found Ibrahim Mbaye at the back post. The 18-year-old had the simple task of tapping in from a few yards out.
Kvaratskhelia then fired in a shot that had Tom Heaton scrambling to get to recover before anyone could seize on the rebound. United’s best response was a cross from Shea Lacey that saw Bryan Mbeumo head just over.
Heaven received a booking for a late challenge in midfield as his difficult start continued. The reds were dealt another blow when Mason Mount came off on 20 minutes after suffering a knock.
Mbeumo forced Matvey Safonov into a smart save on 20 minutes from a free kick in Utd’s best chance in the game.
The equaliser did arrive on 32 and it was made in West Africa. Amad Diallo, who had been giving David Boly issues all game, won the ball back in a dangerous area. He carried the ball before cutting it back for Mbeumo. His effort from the left of the box flew into the bottom corner.
The reds were invigorated by that and threatened to go in front. Illia Zabarnyi needed a last ditch clearance to deny Patrick Dorgu before Safonov denied Mbeumo from another free kick. Both sides were level at the break though.
United suffered another injury blow when Heaton went down holding his ankle. He was replaced by Dermot Mee. Mbeumo was looking a constant danger and almost put us in front. His curling effort had to be palmed away by Safonov.
Luis Enrique bolstered his side just after the hour with a number of star names to claim the win. Carrick responded in kind to bring on the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans.
One of the subs was involved in a crazy passage of play on 73 minutes. The ball was played over the top for Joshua Zirkzee to run onto. Safonov came charging from his goal and collided with the forward. Jack Fletcher picked up the loose ball and passed to Lacey rather than shooting himself. Lacey did have a go but it was cleared by a covering defender.
Both sides had chances in the closing stages. Fernandes shot just wide from a deft Tielemans pass whilst Kvaratskhelia saw an effort just dip wide from 25 yards out. The best chance came from a Diogo Dalot cross from the right. Tyler Fletcher saw his header blocked before Lacey shot over from a tight angle.
Both managers will be pleased enough on the final whistle. United travel to Dublin on Wednesday to take on Leeds United. PSG will be involved in the European Super Cup against Aston Villa on the same evening.
PSG: Matvey Safonov (Alessandro Longoni 77), David Boly, Illia Zabarnyi, Willian Pacho (Marquinhos 62), Axel Koukaba (Nuno Mendes 62), Senny Mayulu, Lucas Beraldo, Dro Fernandez (Vitinha 62), Ibrahim Mbaye, Khalil Ayari (Quentin Ndjantou 46), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Subs not used: Lucas Chevalier, Younes Idder, Abdou Fanne-Drame, Paul Bourdin, Dimitri Lucea, Mamadou Meite, Rayan Abo El Nay, Joao Neves
Manchester United: Tom Heaton (Dermot Mee 49), Noussair Mazraoui (Diogo Dalot 46), Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven (Leny Yoro 46), Luke Shaw (Harry Amass 64), Mason Mount (Tyler Fletcher 20), Andrey Santos (Youri Tielemans 64), Amad Diallo (Jack Fletcher 64), Shea Lacey, Patrick Dorgu (Bruno Fernandes 64), Bryan Mbeumo (Joshua Zirkzee 64).
Subs not used: Daniel Armer, Fred Heath.
Booked: Ayden Heaven (16)
Referee: Joakim Sars
Attendance: N/A
Simply Red Man of the Match: Bryan Mbeumo
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