In the second preseason friendly game, Man Utd defeated Lyon 1-0 thanks to a goal from midfielder Donny van de Beek.

Since scoring a header in Man Utd’s victory over Watford in November 2021, Van de Beek had not scored for the club. The Dutch striker made a relief gesture after scoring by yelling. Erik ten Hag exclaimed his happiness after seeing his former student at Ajax score off the field.

Van de Beek is one of the players who could face being released by Manchester United this summer. However, his preseason-friendly’ performances and his rapport with Ten Hag may be able to preserve his Old Trafford career.

 

Man Utd defeated Leeds 2-0 in the first preseason friendly last week. In contrast to that game, Ten Hag kept Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in the main kack as the key central defenders. Mason Mount, a rookie, is still used as an attacking midfielder. In the backdrop of Man Utd negotiating to acquire striker Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, Jadon Sancho was once more tasked with playing as a striker.

The “Red Devils” had enticing chances to start the scoring early in the match. Anthony attempted to bat Anthony Lopes, but was unsuccessful. In an empty situation, Sancho and Mount both managed to escape the offside trap.

Opportunities for the new Chelsea midfielder to score his first goal for Manchester United were lost. Mount was in front of the penalty spot more than 20 meters from the goal in the 37th minute, but the kick missed the fence. His quick cut in front of the goal put the ball over the crossbar shortly after.