Manchester United made it two victories in two games with a 1-0 triumph against Lyon in Scotland as the Reds resumed their pre-season training.
Following a series of missed first-half opportunities, Donny van de Beek came off the bench to make an immediate impact, sweeping home a wonderful volley from Dan Gore’s great cross in the 49th minute.
The midfielder’s goal was crucial as the Reds backed up last week’s 2-0 triumph against Leeds United with a productive workout at BT Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
Erik ten Hag made two changes to the starting XI that had started the victory against Leeds seven days previously in Norway. Matej Kovar took over in goal for Tom Heaton, while Antony returned from injury to replace Omari Forson. Jonny Evans was on the bench after signing a short-term contract to return to the club this week.
Lyon, guided by former Manchester United defender Laurent Blanc, started the game with ex-Arsenal attacker Alexandre Lacazette and ex-Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso.
NO GOALS IN THE FIRST HALF
On a lovely day in the capital, the two sides were greeted with a customary Scottish welcome, and the Reds made a strong start, generating a number of early opportunities.
After a calculated lay-off from Jadon Sancho inside the box, the returning Antony was stopped by Lyon custodian Anthony Lopes’ legs, and Raphael Varane headed over from the resultant corner. United’s relentless pressure created a one-on-one chance for Amad, but he dragged his goal wide of the far post, before the 21-year-old stung the palms of Lyon keeper Lopes after meeting a low cutback from the lively Antony.
Mason Mount, making his second appearance for the Reds, struggled to find his feet after Sancho, superbly spotted by Varane’s clipped ball, surged in between the Lyon backline and sought for his fellow countryman. Following a strong start by United, our French opponents gradually clawed their way into the game.
Their captain Lacazette threatened with a cross-corner strike that flew over the goalmouth, before Jeffinho had an attempt from inside the area bounce into the side-netting. Kobbie Mainoo then made a heroic block to safeguard Kovar’s goal against Amin Sarr’s powerful effort.
After being fouled from behind by Clinton Mata, our new number seven took the free kick himself from 22 yards out, but his low shot was blocked by the Lyon defensive wall before ricocheting through to the Lyon custodian.
Mount, who showed more of his skill set, went close from a similar distance with a whipped attempt after expertly teaming up with Amad, as United headed into the break unlucky to be on level terms.
DONNY’S BREAKTHROUGH IN THE SECOND HALF
Ten Hag replaced his 10 outfield players at halftime, as planned, with Evans among those joining the action – donning no.27 in his first appearance in a United jersey since 2015.
Van de Beek was another half-time addition, and the Dutchman, who had to overcome an injury setback last season, had an instant impact. Gore did an excellent job of keeping the ball alive after Marc Jurado’s throw-in and driving a controlled cross into the box for van de Beek to direct beyond Lopes.
More complex movement in the final third resulted with Joe Hugill putting the ball into the path of the rampaging Jurado, who was stopped by Mamadou Sarr’s intervention. Following a corner, Van de Beek attempted to loft a shot from the back post, but it was saved by Lyon’s keeper.
Just after the hour mark, the Ligue 1 team made ten substitutions, with Ivorian defender Sinaly Diomande the lone player remaining on the field.
After an impressive move down the left, Lyon’s substitute keeper Remy Riou was swiftly called upon to push away a curling effort from Isak Hansen-Aaroen.
However, opportunities were few and far between in the second half as United maintained control, with Gore in particular catching the eye and taking up some good positions alongside the more seasoned figure of Fred in midfield.
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