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Rangers0 - 2Man Utd

sportsmole.co.uk, 20 July 2024, 17:01
Leny Yoro enjoyed an impressive Manchester United debut, with the new arrival from Lille playing 45 minutes of his side's 2-0 success over Rangers in Saturday's pre-season friendly in Edinburgh.

Man United made the breakthrough in the 39th minute of the contest when Amad Diallo curled one into the bottom corner against the club that he previously represented on loan.

Joe Hugill then netted a second in the 70th minute, smashing one into the back of the net off the crossbar, with a youthful second-half XI impressing for the English side.

Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag was highly critical of his side's display in their 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg last week, and it was a much-improved performance from the 20-time English champions.

Rangers, though, found it difficult to create clear opportunities throughout the match, with the Scottish giants second best in their second friendly of the summer, which have now both ended in defeats.

Yoro impresses on Man United debut

Yoro was comfortable on the ball in the early stages, but his first big moment came in the 10th minute, with the defender producing a wonderful challenge to prevent Cyriel Dessers from having a shot on goal.

It was obvious that players trusted the 18-year-old in possession, as they continued to feed passes into him in tight areas, but the centre-back demonstrated that he can deal with the ball under pressure.

Yoro made another excellent block in the 37th minute to deny Dessers, who will be glad that he will not have to come up against the centre-back on a regular basis.

As expected, the teenager was replaced at the interval, and it will go down as a very productive opening half in a Man United shirt, especially considering that he has only trained once with his new teammates.

Sancho back in the fold for Man United

Having patched-up his relationship with Ten Hag, Jadon Sancho was in the XI against Rangers, and he played the opening 45 minutes of the contest.

It looked as if his Man United career was over, with a sale expected to occur this summer, but the Englishman has been brought back into the squad following clear-the-air discussions with Ten Hag.

Both are now ready to move on, and Sancho, who helped Borussia Dortmund reach last season's Champions League final during a loan spell, came close to scoring late in the first period, just missing the target with a strike following impressive work from Amad.

Wheatley promise while Amad stars for Red Devils

Ethan Wheatley, who could be given opportunities in the first team this term, should have sent Man United ahead in the 18th minute from inside the box, but the striker's goal-bound effort was deflected just wide of the post.

Rasmus Hojlund will be in the squad for the club's pre-season tour of the United States, but Wheatley should also travel, and he is one of the youngsters that could be in and around the first team in 2024-25.

Amad was so bright, coming close with a free kick during an excellent first-half performance, which ended with a curler into the bottom corner, and he could also have a big role to play in the coming campaign, having impressed towards the end of last season.

Antony's struggles could even see Amad start the new campaign down the right, and the 22-year-old now looks ready to realise his early potential.

Andre Onana was the only player to turn out for the whole contest, with the Cameroonian keeping a clean sheet on his first appearance of the summer, while Casemiro and Mason Mount featured in the opening 45 minutes, but there was no Marcus Rashford, with the Englishman not a part of the squad.

What is next for Rangers and Man United?

Rangers have two more friendlies against Birmingham City and Union Berlin on July 24 and July 27 respectively before opening their 2024-25 Scottish Premiership campaign against Hearts on August 3.

Man United, meanwhile, will head to the United States next week for their pre-season tour, which will see them take on Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool.

The Red Devils will tackle Arsenal in their opening game of the tour on July 27, while they will face Real Betis and Liverpool on July 31 and August 3 respectively before heading back to Manchester to prepare for the Community Shield with Manchester City on August 10.

Man United's opening match of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign will then come against Fulham on August 16, and it is shaping up to be a fascinating season for Ten Hag's side.

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