Real Madrid crushes Manchester United in pre-season showdown, leaving fans in awe

Real Madrid Defeats Manchester United in Pre-Season Friendly

Real Madrid emerged victorious in a pre-season friendly match against Manchester United, winning with a final score of 2-0. The game, held at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, drew a crowd of over 72,000 fans. This highly anticipated clash between two of the biggest clubs in world football showcased the talents of both teams.

Manchester United's Performance

Manchester United, under the guidance of their new manager Erik ten Hag, started the match with promise. However, their performance quickly deteriorated, earning them a rating of no more than five out of ten. In contrast, Real Madrid displayed their slick playing style and took control of the game.

First Goal and Real Madrid's Dominance

The first goal of the match came in the sixth minute, courtesy of Jude Bellingham. The young midfielder, who recently joined Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £115 million, capitalized on a well-executed pass from Antonio Rüdiger and chipped the ball over United's goalkeeper, Andre Onana. This marked Bellingham's first goal for Los Merengues and set the tone for the rest of the game. Real Madrid continued to dominate the match, constantly putting pressure on Manchester United's defense. Vinícius Júnior was particularly impressive, creating multiple opportunities for his team. However, United managed to escape unscathed on several occasions, thanks to some solid saves from Onana.

Andre Onana's Debut

One of the highlights of the match was the debut of Manchester United's new goalkeeper, Andre Onana. Signed for £47 million, Onana showcased his skills and potential during the game. Described as "less a sweeper-keeper than a holding midfielder," Onana demonstrated his ability to pass the ball effortlessly and made a brilliant one-handed save to deny Vinícius Júnior. Despite his impressive performance, Onana was partially at fault for Real Madrid's first goal. A loose header from the goalkeeper allowed Real Madrid to launch a swift counter-attack, resulting in Bellingham's goal. However, Onana made up for his mistake with a series of crucial saves, preventing Real Madrid from extending their lead.

Manchester United's Disappointing Performance

Manchester United's performance in the pre-season friendly against Real Madrid was largely disappointing. Despite fielding close to their strongest XI, they struggled to match Real Madrid's intensity and attacking prowess. The team's lackluster display was reflected in the player ratings, with most players receiving scores of five or six out of ten. The match highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by some of Manchester United's key players. Mason Mount, who played in a more advanced role, failed to make a significant impact and missed a clear-cut chance. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, deployed in midfield, struggled to contain the lively Vinícius Júnior and was at fault for Real Madrid's first goal. Luke Shaw, normally a reliable left-back, had a lethargic performance and was outshone by his counterparts.

Bright Spots for Manchester United

Despite the disappointment, there were a few bright spots for Manchester United. Bruno Fernandes showed his usual determination and created opportunities for his teammates. Diogo Dalot made a crucial clearance off the line, and Victor Lindelof provided stability in defense during his time on the pitch.

Conclusion

Overall, Manchester United's below-par outing against Real Madrid highlighted the work that still needs to be done under manager Erik ten Hag. The team will need to regroup and address the issues highlighted in this pre-season friendly as they prepare for the upcoming season.