Manchester United bounced back in their US pre-season tour, clinching a 3-2 win against Real Betis in San Diego, California.
The Red Devils had to rally after Iker Losada found the net for the Spanish team just 15 minutes into the match.
Just two minutes after going behind, United earned a penalty when Amad Diallo was fouled in the box.
Marcus Rashford confidently converted the penalty, followed by quick goals from Amad Diallo and Casemiro within a span of 13 minutes. Although former Leeds defender Diego Llorente scored in the second half for Betis, United secured the victory.
Chris Wheeler from Mail Sport covered the game on Wednesday night and highlighted five key takeaways from the match.
Manchester United scored three goals in just 13 first-half minutes on their way to victory
Marcus Rashford set United on their way by scoring from the penalty spot in the 18th minute
Injury woes continue
Adding to Manchester United’s injury woes, both Marcus Rashford and Antony exited the game against Real Betis at the Snapdragon Stadium.
With news breaking that Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund will be sidelined for three months and six weeks respectively, Rashford limped off shortly after the hour mark following a harsh tackle from Sergi Altimira in the penalty area.
The situation prompted Jadon Sancho to signal for assistance from the bench, leading the physios to rush onto the pitch. Rashford received treatment for a couple of minutes before walking off awkwardly under the guidance of physio Jordan Reece, heading directly down the tunnel.
Three minutes later, Erik ten Hag made several substitutions, indicating Rashford might have been taken off anyway. However, seeing another forward exit with an injury just days after Hojlund’s hamstring issue raises concerns. Antony also had a brief stint, as he was substituted just 23 minutes later, appearing frustrated as he headed straight to the dressing room.
Addressing the ongoing injury crisis was a primary goal for United this season, but with several setbacks already encountered in pre-season, it’s clear this problem persists.
Rashford has given Erik ten Hag another injury scare after being forced off on the hour mark
United shines without Hojlund
While losing Rasmus Hojlund for six weeks poses a significant challenge for United, leaving Erik ten Hag with only one recognized senior striker, Joshua Zirkzee, who is yet to debut following his £36.5 million transfer from Bologna.
Nonetheless, United demonstrated their attacking prowess with a vibrant performance full of creativity. Jadon Sancho, who had played as a false nine during last year’s US tour, took on the same role after Hojlund’s injury against Arsenal last Saturday. Although Sancho’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, he once again showcased his adaptability, having a goal disallowed for offside in the early minutes.
Amad Diallo excelled on the right flank, as he earned the penalty that Rashford converted and later scored United’s second goal. Rashford himself was active before his injury, creating several opportunities and assisting Casemiro for the third goal from close range.
With Christian Eriksen playing deeper alongside Casemiro, and Scott McTominay positioned as a No.10, United exhibited numerous attacking ideas, especially in the first half.
Amad Diallo (right) proved extremely effective from the right and scored United’s second goal
Ten Hag exercises caution
In light of Yoro’s injury news, Erik ten Hag opted to be cautious with his center-backs during the match in San Diego.
The only substitutions he made at halftime were Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who were replaced by Jonny Evans and Will Fish. Given last season’s injury struggles, particularly in defense, Ten Hag’s careful approach regarding his central defenders is understandable.
With Yoro expected to be out until November and with no assurances that United will acquire Matthijs de Ligt or Jarrad Branthwaite, Ten Hag must tread carefully with his center-back choices.
Currently, Lisandro Martinez is slated to start alongside Maguire, but since Martinez has not returned to training after the Copa America, his availability for the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 10 remains uncertain. Lindelof has attracted interest from Fenerbahce, but it remains to be seen if Yoro’s injury changes the club’s transfer plans.
Will Fish (right) entered proceedings at half-time as Ten Hag took no risks with his defenders
Amass ready for the challenge
Harry Amass started again at left-back against the Spaniards after playing against Arsenal on Saturday, continuing to show why expectations are high for him at United.
He made good attacking runs and tackled effectively. His standout moments included the cross that led to Amad’s second goal and a fearless double tackle against Rodri and Hector Bellerin in the first half. The 17-year-old wasn’t intimidated, even following up on a challenge against the former Arsenal player. Both Rodri and Bellerin looked to the MLS referee, Alexis Da Silva, but he allowed the game to continue.
Amass was substituted in the 62nd minute by Sam Murray, who narrowly avoided a penalty after a questionable challenge on Rodri in the box. Both players have filled in at left-back during pre-season due to the absences of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. While United may look to sign another defender, Amass has certainly made a case for more playing time in the future.
Harry Amass has impressed at left-back during pre-season, managing 62 minutes against Betis
Heaton shakes off the rust in rare appearance
Tom Heaton could be excused for being a bit rusty, considering his last competitive appearance for United was 18 months ago in a Carabao Cup match against Nottingham Forest.
Heaton was called upon as a training goalkeeper for the England squad in the Euros this summer, but nothing compares to actual match experience, and he seemed to lack sharpness when Betis scored early at the Snapdragon Stadium.
Tom Heaton (right) was handed a rare start by Ten Hag and took a while to settle into the game
The veteran managed to save a shot from Rodri but failed to hold onto the ball, inadvertently passing it back to Rodri, who then assisted Iker Losada for an easy goal. He was beaten again in the 61st minute by a header from former Leeds player Diego Llorente.
Heaton recently signed a new one-year contract, but with Altay Bayindir expected to offer backup for Andre Onana, this appearance may be a rare opportunity for him.
