Real Madrid 2-0 Man Utd: Pictures & talking points from pre-season friendly in Houston
Real Madrid secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Manchester United in an entertaining pre-season affair in Houston.
Erik ten Hag sent his youngsters to the 3-1 defeat to Wrexham just 24 hours earlier and saved his seniors for this one, but they were no match for Real Madrid as goals from Jude Bellingham and Joselu earned Los Blancos the victory.
Here’s a look back at the key talking points of the game.
Jude Bellingham nets first Real Madrid goal
💎 THE MOMENT YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! 💎#RealMadridOnTour pic.twitter.com/tlBV6BJvwW— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 27, 2023
Bellimgham marked his second (unofficial) outing for Real Madrid with his first (unofficial) goal just six minutes into the game.
The midfielder may have strayed offside as he latched on to Antonio Rudiger’s long ball but flashed every bit of his £115m-rated quality to dink the ball over the debuting Andre Onana and into the back of the United net.
As Bellingham clutched his new badge in celebration, it became abundantly clear why he chose Real Madrid over his other suitors.
Andre Onana makes an impact
Andre Onana’s positioning when Real Madrid begin their build-up #mufc [@TyMarshall_MEN] pic.twitter.com/SEwOrhfrKg— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) July 27, 2023
While Onana’s debut may have kicked off in a disappointing way, the new United stopper quickly proved exactly why Ten Hag was so determined to bring him to Manchester.
Playing almost as an auxiliary centre-back at times, Onana’s desire to get involved in play was abundantly clear and his comfort in possession gave United an outlet which was sorely lacking with David de Gea in between the sticks.
With his hands, Onana was just as solid, with one particular save to deny Vinicius Junior midway through the first half standing out from the rest.
It wasn’t the result Onana would have wanted from his first outing, but this performance will definitely have made an impression on fans.
Bellingham vs Martinez
Jude Bellingham didn’t appreciate Lisandro Martinez’s tackle. pic.twitter.com/LEUE6QCnIr— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 27, 2023
Fresh off powering his way through Bukayo Saka’s shin, Lisandro Martinez’s hot-headed pre-season continued with a feisty challenge on Bellingham just before the half-time break.
Bellingham quickly jumped to his feet and gave Martinez a shove back, prompting United new boy Mason Mount to jump to his teammate’s defence and hand Bellingham a taste of his own medicine. It’s worth remembering the two England midfielders clashed in the Champions League last season when Chelsea faced off against Borussia Dortmund.
After the game, Bellingham insisted there was no bad blood between himself and Martinez, wishing the Argentine all the best for the coming season.
Joselu nets a screamer
✂️ @JoseluMato9 did an ABSOLUTE MADNESS.#RealMadridOnTour pic.twitter.com/WHmVMxxLTO— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 27, 2023
Replacing Karim Benzema is never going to be an easy job, but goals like this will definitely help Joselu’s case.
With the clock winding down, the former Stoke striker unleashed a glorious overhead kick which left Onana with absolutely no chance.
There’s not a whole lot to say about this one, but it’s definitely worth a watch.
United’s need for a striker laid bare
Vinicius ⚔️ Rashford pic.twitter.com/ju90T4wzFY— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) July 27, 2023
With a new striker yet to come through the doors at Old Trafford, it was Marcus Rashford who played centrally against Real Madrid, and the experiment did not pay off.
The lack of a focal point to United’s attack ultimately proved their downfall, while Rashford also found himself on the receiving end of Vinicius Junior’s quick feet while trying to track back.
Kobbie Mainoo leaves on crutches
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Kobbie Mainoo leaving in a boot with crutches.
🎥 @rxnpixels pic.twitter.com/3b3k6m7eQ3— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) July 27, 2023
One of the bright sparks of United’s pre-season so far has been teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has excelled at every given moment. It’s telling that the 18-year-old was kept to start against Real Madrid rather than sent with the youngsters to face Wrexham.
Unfortunately for Mainoo, his dream outing would last just two minutes as a robust challenge from Rodrygo forced the teenager off the pitch minutes later, and he was eventually seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
Just how serious Mainoo’s injury is remains to be seen, but United fans will hope his momentum has not been derailed so soon.
Source: 90mins
