Manchester United 1-0 Lyon: Van de Beek nets winner as Evans returns
Manchester United 1-0 Lyon: Donny van de Beek comes off the bench to give Erik ten Hag’s side the win… as Jonny Evans makes his second debut for the club
- Antony and Amad Diallo wasted glorious chances inside the opening minutes
- Donny van de Beek gave United the lead after a brilliant cross by Daniel Gore
- Jonny Evans came on in the second-half to make his second debut for the side
Donny van de Beek scored on his return to action to give Manchester United a 1-0 pre-season victory over Lyon.
The Dutchman had been out of action since January with a knee injury, but expertly volleyed home within minutes of coming off the bench after an excellent cross by Dan Gore.
Jonny Evans also made his return for United, producing a solid and assured performance in the second-half after signing a short-term contract with the Red Devils.
The Red Devils had made an electric start at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, with three golden opportunities inside the opening five minutes.
Antony should have looked to dink Lyon keeper Anthony Lopes but instead fired low straight at the keeper. While Amad Diallo fired one effort over the bar, before forcing another save from the Portuguese shot-stopper.
Donny van de Beek scored on his return after being out of action with a knee injury since January
One of the biggest pieces of news before the game was Jonny Evans’ return to United on a short term deal, and he impressed after coming off the bench during the second half
Manchester United had three golden opportunities to score in the opening five minutes with Antony (pictured) firing at the keeper before Amad Diallo had two big chances of his own
MATCH FACTS
Manchester United first half XI: Kovar; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Fernandez; Hannibal, Mainoo, Mount; Antony, Amad, Sancho
Second half XI: Kovar; Jurado, Fish, Evans, Williams; Gore, Van de Beek, Fred; Hansen-Aaroen, Forson, Hugill.
Lyon first half XI: Lopes; Mata, M. Sarr, Diomande, Laaziri, Lepenant, Tolisso; Jeffinho, El Arouch, A.Sarr; Lacazette
Goal: Sancho 49
Attendance: 48,484
As expected, United made a full set of changes at half time – except for Czech keeper Matej Kovar.
It took just four minutes of the second-half for United to take the lead when a brilliant cross from 18-year-old Daniel Gore was met with an expertly-struck volley by Van de Beek.
It was by no means an easy technique and the goal will give Van de Beek a world of confidence going into the rest of pre-season.
Lyon, though grew stronger as the first-half went on, never really looked like breaking Man United’s defence down.
Mason Mount made his second start but struggled to make a real impact on the game before he came off.
There were some positive performances from youngsters including Kobbie Mainoo, Gore, Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Joe Hugill.
United will now head out for their pre-season tour of the United States where they will face Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
Mason Mount made his second start for the Red Devils but struggled to make a real impact
Van de Beek celebrates after producing a superb first-time finish to give United the lead
Van de Beek’s goal after a brilliant cross from 18-year-old Daniel Gore who made a big impact
It was by no means a classic performance for Erik ten Hag’s side though the Dutchman will certainly have plenty of positives to take out of the game
Norwegian Isak Hansen-Aaroen was another of United’s young stars to impress on Wednesday
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