Manchester United returned to success in their American pre-season with a 3-2 victory over Real Betis in San Diego, California.
The Red Devils had to make up a deficit after 15 minutes when Iker Losada shot the ball into the net for the Spanish team.
Within two minutes of conceding, United had a chance to equalise when Amad Diallo was brought down in the penalty area.
Marcus Rashford slotted home the penalty before Amad Diallo and Casemeiro added the second and third goals within 13 minutes. Former Leeds defender Diego Llorente scored a second-half goal for Betis but United held on for the win.
Mail Sport’s Chris Wheeler was in San Diego on Wednesday night and listed five things we learned from the match.
Manchester United scored three goals in just 13 minutes of the first half on their way to victory
Marcus Rashford put United on their way by scoring from the penalty spot in the 18th minute
Curse of injuries strikes again
As if Manchester United hadn’t had enough bad injury news, Marcus Rashford and Antony both suffered injuries during the 3-2 win over Real Betis at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.
After it was announced that Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund would be out for three months and six weeks respectively, Rashford limped off the field just after the hour mark after being struck on his right ankle by Sergi Altimira in the Real Betis penalty area.
It was serious enough for Jadon Sancho to go to the United bench for help and physios were quickly on the pitch. Rashford was treated for a few minutes before awkwardly walking away with physiotherapist Jordan Reece and straight down the tunnel at the Snapdragon Stadium.
Erik ten Hag made a series of substitutions just two minutes later, so Rashford was likely to be subbed anyway. But the sight of another striker walking off, just four days after Hojlund had suffered a hamstring injury, was cause for concern. Antony was one of those substitutes, but he lasted just 23 minutes before being substituted towards the end, looking frustrated as he headed straight for the dressing room.
Reducing injuries has been one of United’s priorities this season, but they have suffered enough from them in pre-season to show it is a problem that is not likely to go away any time soon.
Rashford has left Erik ten Hag with another injury after being sent off after an hour
United on a roll without Hojlund
The loss of Rasmus Hojlund for six weeks looks set to be a major blow for United, with manager Erik ten Hag now left with just one experienced striker in Joshua Zirkzee, who has yet to feature after joining from Bologna for £36.5m.
But United showed there are other options with an attacking performance full of creativity. Jadon Sancho played as a false nine on tour in the US last summer and he filled the same role after Hojlund was injured against Arsenal on Saturday. Sancho’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain but he showed his flexibility again here, having a goal ruled out for offside inside the first five minutes.
Amad Diallo was particularly effective on the right flank, drawing Romain Perraud’s foul to allow Marcus Rashford to equalise from the penalty spot, and then firing home United’s second. Rashford was also in form before being sent off in the second half, creating a number of chances for his team-mates and setting up Casemiro’s third from close range.
With Christian Eriksen in the back, alongside Casemiro, and Scott McTominay in 10th place, United were a real asset and a real threat in attack, especially in the first half.
Amad Diallo (right) proved extremely effective from the right to score United’s second goal
Ten Hag takes no risks
After the disappointing news about Yoro’s injury, Erik ten Hag did not want to take any risks with his central defenders in San Diego.
His only half-time substitutions at the Snapdragon Stadium were Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who made way for Jonny Evans and Will Fish at half-time. After last season’s chronic injury problems, particularly in defence, you can hardly blame Ten Hag for playing it safe with his centre-backs.
With Yoro expected to be out until November and no guarantee United will sign Matthijs de Ligt or Jarrad Branthwaite, Ten Hag must be careful with his centre-backs.
As things stand, Lisandro Martinez will start the season alongside Maguire, although the Argentine has not trained since the Copa America and is unlikely to be available for the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 10. Lindelof has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, but it remains to be seen whether Yoro’s injury will force him to reconsider.
Will Fish (right) came into action at half-time as Ten Hag took no risks with his defenders
Amass is happy to mix it up
Harry Amass was handed a starting place at left-back again against the Spaniards on Saturday after taking on Arsenal, with the teenager showing once again why United have such high expectations of him.
He got forward well and tackled with tenacity. Highlights of another fine performance were Amad’s cross for United’s second, and a fearless double tackle on Rodri and Hector Bellerin in the first half. The 17-year-old went all out for Rodri and had no qualms about following up on former Arsenal man Bellerin. Both Spaniards looked to MLS referee Alexis Da Silva, but he was happy to let play on.
Amass was replaced in the 62nd minute by Sam Murray, who was somewhat fortunate to get away with a rash foul on Rodri in the penalty area. Both youngsters have played at left-back in pre-season in the absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. United could bring in another defender to play there, so it remains to be seen how much game time they get this season, but Amass is clearly a player we will see a lot more of in the future.
Harry Amass has impressed at left-back during pre-season, playing 62 minutes against Betis
Heaton ring rusty on rare start
You could forgive Tom Heaton if he’s a little rusty on the ring, given his last goal for United came 18 months ago, in a Carabao Cup clash against Nottingham Forest.
Heaton was called up as a training keeper for England’s European Championship squad this summer, but you can’t beat a real keeper and he didn’t look sharp enough going into the match as Real Betis took an early lead at the Snapdragon Stadium.
Tom Heaton (right) was given a rare start by Ten Hag and took some time to get into the game
The veteran saved from Rodri but couldn’t hold on to the ball and then inexplicably swiped it back to the Betis man who set up team-mate Iker Losada in the middle for an easy goal. He was beaten again in the 61st minute by a header from former Leeds striker Diego Llorente.
Heaton signed a new one-year deal this summer, but with Altay Bayindir set to replace Andre Onana again, this is likely to be a rare appearance.