Manchester United overcame neighbours Manchester City in a pre-season friendly in Houston, Texas thanks to a pair of quickfire goals from Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford.
In the first overseas derby between the two sides (they were scheduled to have one last summer until heavy rain in China resulted in a postponement) it was Jose Mourinho who came out on top in his personal rivalry with Pep Guardiola
City fielded two of their big-money signings, while United tinkered with their central defensive options as Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones all got 45 minutes each to stake their claim.
But what else was learned from the game. Here’s five things….
1) Ederson’s Manchester City career gets off to a rocky start
Ever since Pep Guardiola discarded Joe Hart as his number one goalkeeper last summer, there’s been question marks as to whether it was the correct choice or not. Well based on Claudio Bravo’s form last season it’s a decision that backfired.
This isn’t to say the England international had any right to remain as the first-choice following his performances at Euro 2016, but the Chilean didn’t cover himself in glory and summer signing Ederson hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts.
A big-money addition from Benfica with massive potential, the Brazilian was at fault for the opening goal of the game. He rushed out into no man’s land and was beaten to the ball by Lukaku and probably should have done a lot better with Rashford’s strike.
To his credit, it wasn’t all bad as Ederson did improve in the second half and his mental strength to bounce back from his early blunder will surely please Guardiola. A triple save from Phil Jones at close range showcased his abilities.
2) Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford will flourish together
Jose Mourinho hinted at the prospect of playing these two together following United’s first two pre-season games and decided to take the plunge against City – albeit with Lukaku leading the line and Rashford operating on the flanks.
It was the first time the pair had been on the same pitch since the Belgian international completed his £75m transfer and it was no surprise that both were on the scoresheet as the Red Devils claimed bragging rights in this derby.
Both possess pace and power. Lukaku’s finish – despite Ederson’s rashness – was impressive, as was Rashford’s clinical effort. With the option of reverting back to the 3-5-2 system used in the victory over LA Galaxy last week, this potential strike partnership could prove fruitful for United next season.
3) Phil Foden outshines some of Man City’s more established superstars
A Manchester City XI which contained the likes of Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure, Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, yet all the talk following the final whistle surrounded one of their young stars – Phil Foden – a member of the England squad which reached the European Under-17 Championships final last month.An highly-rated central midfielder, the 17-year-old played for 74 minutes and showed absolutely no fear in coming up against more experienced stars such as Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera. His touch, movement, quick feet, willingness to shoot from long range and clever use of the ball stood out to many.
4) Manchester United looked sharper and fresher
It’s no real surprise that United emerged victorious in Houston. This was game number three of their pre-season thus far while this was City’s first and it’s often said that it takes teams a while to really get up to full speed.
Mourinho was able to get at least 60 minutes out of his front six – Lukaku, Rashford, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Jesse Lingard, Pogba and Herrera – while Guardiola made near enough wholesale changes at the break and even gave a run-out to Eliaquim Mangala and Samir Nasri.
The difference between the two was pretty evident as it was the Red Devils who looked evidently the fresher side. Of course much can happen between now and the start of the new season, but the Red Devils do like ready for the new campaign.
5) Guardiola’s need for Benjamin Mendy just got greater
Oh Pep! The search for a left-back just got a little more awkward. He’s already down to the bare bones after allowing Gael Clichy to leave on a free transfer and now Aleksandar Kolarov has asked to leave and his close to joining AS Roma.
“I don’t like working with people who don’t want to stay,” Guardiola confirmed afterwards.
“He has a big chance to go to Roma. He has said he wants to leave.”
If that wasn’t bad enough, City were forced to play Fernandinho – a defensive midfielder – at left-back in the first-half and he got caught out of position for Rashford’s goal. Mangala filled in there after the break but his future probably isn’t at the Etihad Stadium.
Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy has been heavily linked, but after splashing out £50m to sign Kyle Walker it’s been reported that the Ligue 1 champions want a similar deal if they’re to part company with the in-demand France international.
It’s crazy to think, Guardiola could end up spending over £100m on just two full-backs…
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