Manchester United overcame an early setback to beat RC Lens 3-1 in their first friendly game against the French club at Old Trafford.
Andre Onana and Mason Mount didn’t have the most auspicious of starts at Old Trafford – Mount missed an open goal while Onana was chipped from the half way line as their French opponents took an early lead.
But the Reds scored three second half goals in ten minutes through Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Casemiro to secure victory.
And with new Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund unveiled just before the game to a rousing reception United will look to make a better start to their season after their final friendly game in Dublin tomorrow.
PLAYER RATINGS
Andre Onana: 6. Couple of comfortable saves and played a high line but paid the price when he was chipped by Florian Sotoca after Diogo Dalot lost the ball. Didn’t drop his level in the second half, collected a cross into the box late on and produced a marvellous diving save after a Lens shot was deflected off Lisandro Martinez.
Diogo Dalot: 6. Inverted into midfield but a poor pass to Raphael Varane allowed Lens to score from centre circle. Made a goal line clearance to deny Facundo Medina.
Raphael Varane: 6. Could do nothing about the poor pass that led to the opening goal by RC Lens. Went down in the second half sparking the usual injury concerns.
Lisandro Martinez: 7. Good run out after his injury lay off – no fear playing his usual physical game.
Luke Shaw: 7. Solid contribution from left back, his free kick was converted by Casemiro.
Casemiro: 7. Got stuck in from the off, scored a header to extend United’s lead in the second half.
Mason Mount: 6. The most advanced midfielder at times, joining Marcus Rashford in attack. Missed absolute sitter after 15 minutes, miskick allowed the ball to bobble away after Alejandro Garnacho’s cutback, had another shot blocked.
Bruno Fernandes: 7. Good balls from deep and got in to great positions that a good striker would capitalise on.
Antony: 8. Excitement down the right flank and had a shot deflected, set up Marcus Rashford for the equaliser before scoring himself to put United into the lead.
Alejandro Garnacho: 8. Got fans out of their seats again, his cutback deserved better finish from Mason Mount. Had a shot blocked in front of goal and drove wide in a frustrating first half. Set up a goal for Antony in the second half and drew a foul from which United scored with a set piece.
Marcus Rashford: 7. Went close with a free kick in the first half, scored the equaliser early in the second half with a deflected shot after he was released by Antony. Will be kicking himself for not doubling his tally when a late chance came his way.
GOALS
Man Utd 0, RC Lens 1: 22. Florian Sotoca intercepted a loose ball from Diogo Dalot to Raphael Varane and chip Andre Onana from inside the centre circle.
Man Utd 1, RC Lens 1: 48. Marcus Rashford was released by an Antony through ball and his shot deflected off Kevin Danso to beat Brice Samba and go inside the back post
Man Utd 2, RC Lens 1: 53. Antony beat Facundo Medina to a deep switched ball from the left by Alejandro Garnacho and drove home to put United into the lead.
Man Utd 3, RC Lens 1: 58. Casemiro’s header from 8 yards out beat Brice Samba after he got on the end of Luke Shaw’s free kick following a foul on Alejandro Garnacho.
MATCH STATS
Man Utd: Onana, Dalot, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Shaw, Casemiro, Mount, Fernandes, Antony (Forson 81), Garnacho (Sancho 68), Rashford
Man Utd Subs not used: Heaton, Kovar, Lindelof, Maguire, Eriksen, Pellistri, Wan-Bissaka, van de Beek, Hannibal, Forson
Referee: Craig Pawson
Attendance: 57,802